Joe Rogan has become an iconic fixture in the world of the UFC. The former ‘Fear Factor’ host and ‘News Radio’ star first joined the UFC as an interviewer in 1997. He later became a color commentator in the promotion at UFC 37.5 in 2002 which was his first appearance in his now iconic role. His partner in the booth at the time was the legendary, Mike Goldberg.
However, Rogan and other commentators have regularly come under fire for their perceived biases when calling fights. And with the UFC now adding former fighters to the booth, it creates an awkward position where the commentators share personal relationships with the athletes inside the cage. As such, former UFC ‘champ-champ’ Daniel Cormier has now spoken out against the allegations of ‘biases’ during commentary. And his comments reveal an honest take on the controversial issue!
Joe Rogan and the commentary team’s situation explained by Daniel Cormier
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The UFC broadcast team currently hosts a mix of members that include past and present fighters. This leads to a more in-depth experience for the fans but has also led to allegations of commentators holding biases for their friends or teammates.
Daniel Cormier, who is also a part of the broadcast team, recently spoke about the fan’s concern regarding ‘biased commentary’. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Cormier acknowledges the increased scrutiny when friends or teammates are involved, emphasizing the importance of drowning out critics and focusing on the job.
In fact, he stated that before the inclusion of fighters in the booth, Joe Rogan was the only member of the broadcast team who shared personal relationships with the athletes. He stated, “…but before when you had Joe and Mike Goldberg, Joe fought and trained jiu-jitsu with all those guys so they could make that connection with him. With Mike, he wasn’t very connected.”
In the current era, Cormier highlights that the entire commentary team, including himself, Jon Anik, Paul Felder, Michael Bisping, and Dominick Cruz, shares personal connections with the fighters. He stated, “…all of us now have a connection to the guys. All of us. So every person that sits at that table now can have those types of personal relationships with these fighters. So it makes it a different way.”
This, according to Cormier, adds a unique and different dynamic to UFC broadcasts. And it provides insights and perspectives that earlier broadcast setups, with just Joe Rogan as the expert, didn’t have as much.
However, ahead of UFC 296, Cormier has also shared concerns about a fighter on the card. And it seems like the former ‘champ-champ’ is worried about his training methods ahead of the bout!
Cormier is concerned about ‘El Cucuy’
Tony Ferguson, amidst a six-fight losing streak, seeks assistance from David Goggins for his upcoming UFC 296 bout against Paddy Pimblett. The former ‘Boogeyman’ of the lightweight division has been struggling to regain his winning form.
And in a recent episode of the ‘DC & RC’ show, Cormier, acknowledging Ferguson’s work ethic, doubts Goggins’ impact, emphasizing that cardio isn’t the root issue. He stated, “He’s going to be in shape, but I don’t know if the cardio is going to be the issue. That’s not what’s wrong with Tony Ferguson.”
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Cormier suggests Ferguson faces challenges beyond physical preparation. Indicating that mental strength alone may not address the broader reasons for his recent losses in the octagon.
In conclusion, Cormier’s comments about the commentators sharing personal bonds with the athletes underscores the unique dynamic of UFC broadcasts. The presence of Joe Rogan and fighters ensures that fans get to experience an in-depth look into the saga inside the Octagon. And his comments about Tony Ferguson and his training ahead of UFC 296 highlight his concern for the legendary fighter.
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Do you think Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan are the best commentary duo in the UFC broadcast booth? Why or Why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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