When Jon Anik joined the UFC as a color commentator in 2011, at a period of slight restructuring within the promotion, it was his first job as a commentator and analyst after spending the majority of his professional career at ESPN. Anik was anxious, but Joe Rogan reassured him that everything would turn out well. This surely left a great impression in the mind of the commentator.

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, he revealed the great bond that he shares with the JRE host. Anik revealed that one of the things that often dooms the chemistry between commentators is table ego, something that Anik and the UFC table avoid at all costs. But how? Well, it’s all because of chemistry. He said, “Largely, I feel like you either have chemistry or you don’t. I think I’ve worked with 17 different broadcast teams, and the first time I worked with Joe Rogan was at UFC 155 in 2012 on three days’ notice, and I had barely met the man. Humbly, I feel like we had chemistry.”

Anik further compared his bond with the commentary team to going on a date, revealing that, like on a date, by the third or fourth one you find out whether you are compatible or not. But in this case, working with Joe Rogan had been Anik’s lifelong dream. After all, the living legend had been a part of the promotion since 1997, when the color commentator became the play-by-play analyst and commentator. When you’ve been with a promotion for nearly three decades, you naturally become an indispensable member of the team. That is precisely what Joe Rogan’s analysis adds to the UFC. His presence in the commentary booth, with Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier, elevates the sport’s standards.

From the interview, it looks like the duo are really close. But sharing a close bond also means having each other’s backs. Something that Jon Anik knows about quite well. But why do we say that? Well, that’s because the UFC commentator came to the rescue of the JRE host when fans turned their backs on the podcaster. So what exactly happened? Let’s find out.

Jon Anik protects Joe Rogan from backlash

Joe Rogan was heavily criticized on social media in 2021 for his work behind the desk. However, his companion in the UFC booth, Jon Anik, was confident that Rogan would be a member of the commentary team for a long time. It all began because of the JRE host’s involvement in a variety of other projects, including his podcast. As a result, he now only joins the broadcasting crew on domestic pay-per-views, as he refuses to fly abroad because of his other commitments.

Some have stated that his other duties have caused him to lose interest in UFC commentary. Those assertions grew stronger with the UFC 256 pay-per-view and other pay-per-view events throughout the pandemic. However, in a conversation with What The Heck Podcast, Anik came out in defense of his commentary partner. He claimed that despite other duties, the JRE host will always find his space on the commentary table.

Anik said, “It’s not that easy stepping up every eight weeks trying to do one of these things and constantly having a revolving door with the broadcast team, but I love the guy. I’ve never been closer with the guy… and hopefully he’s here well past me.” It surely looks like there is a lot of love and respect between the two. But what do you think? Will Rogan remain a commentator and live up to Anik’s expectations? Let us know in the comments.