Commentators serve as the eyes and ears of the sport. They are the bridge between the action and the audience, often providing a detailed analysis in a fan-friendly language and tone. Without commentators, the heart and soul of the sport would be missing. In combat, this couldn’t be truer. Perhaps the most recognizable name in the sports commentary game is Joe Rogan, primarily because of his work in the UFC, but also because of his ventures and personality outside his main hustle.

The veteran UFC commentator will appear alongside Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier for another relay of live action this Saturday. The news of the trio being finalized for the broadcast was released by MMA Junkie via X on March 3rd. The post read, “🚨| The #UFC313 commentary team will be the regular US PPV trio of Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier. 🎤[first rep. @MMAJunkie]”. 

To many’s surprise, this time, several fans didn’t seem to be on board with this. Known for their highly animated reactions to the big moments on the commentators’ feed, the trio have been a constant for the UFC’s all PPV events taking place in the United States. But the comments section wasn’t looking very happy responding to the news. 

Fans thrash Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier being part of UFC 313 commentary team

Jon Anik, Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier are the ‘A-side’ to the UFC commentary team for PPV events. If Rogan can’t make it, either Dominick Cruz, Michael Bisping or Paul Felder come into the fray. While Rogan is a mainstay of the UFC commentary team, he has on occasion been targeted for being a somewhat controversial figure outside of the UFC. DC, too, has been caught in the firing line many times, even from fighters like Joaquin Buckley.

In that sense, one user wrote, “Anik, Dom, and Rogan. Ditch DC….” while another, giving more options, wrote, “It might be time to ditch DC and either put Dom or Paul in his place” We kind of understand why they would go after Daniel Cormier, but Jon Anik?

Few comments suggested that the UFC should get both the color commentators (Rogan and DC) off this card. One fan wrote, “Replace Rogan and DC with Felder and Sanko (she’s arguably better than Rogan) talk to a wall”. Another one came up very strongly saying, “Rogan and DC are probably the worst commentators in the sport. Rogan adds almost nothing, turns the commentary into a podcast. DC plays along, has a massive wrestling bias, and constantly gets stuff wrong.”

There were still, however, a bunch of texts that are totally in favor of the trio commentating for the occasion. One fan, showing his excitement, wrote, “poatan didnt even blink. the crazy thing is, he doesnt even turn the hips on his kicks there is no tell” cant wait for these words from joe rogan. best ppv trio there is”. Another fan, praised simple and straight, writing, “So, the A team?”

Following the news, there were also some fans who supported Dom to be the man for the event. The fans also resonated with the cold ‘thank-you’ promo on Cruz’s retirement as a fighter. The promo was played at UFC’s last fight night (Kape vs Alambayev). A fan felt strongly that Cruz deserves a much bigger celebratory goodbye from the UFC suggesting, “Put Cruz on the commentary and surprise him with a HOF (Hall of Fame) announcement.” One fan even thought Cruz could switch roles to be a Lead and said, “Replace Anik with Dom.”

Cruz, in the past, has been criticized about being too ‘bland’ during his commentary. But there seems to be an acceptance in the minds of the fans. Is it because he brings a change in the style of commentary, mellowing it down, or is it his ability to see the insights in the firefight that have made his audience more educated and intrigued about the sport? 

The upcoming UFC 313 card is expected to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. And it will be the same for the commentators sitting octagon-side. What is your favorite mix of the commentators for a UFC PPV coverage? Let us know in the comments below.