Joe Rogan may not be as active with the UFC as he used to be. Yet, UFC CEO Dana White still considers him a pivotal member of the team. The mega-successful podcaster and comedian is easily the most recognized voice in the broadcast booth. Nonetheless, some notable names in the fighting world, according to Dana White, want him out.
Rogan became a mainstay in the promotion after debuting as a backstage interviewer in 1997. Today, he focuses mostly on pay-per-view broadcasts. As always, Dana White threw his weight behind Rogan against alleged deterrents while addressing a UFC-themed podcast. Despite criticisms about Rogan’s work quality, the CEO isn’t letting anyone soil the relationship they’ve built over the years.
Dana White defends Joe Rogan in harsh response to sack calls
A long list of color commentators has called boxing fights and MMA events. However, White believes that Rogan stands heads and shoulders above the crowd. White has repeatedly spoken highly of him. In 2024, the 56-year-old credited Rogan with discovering a way to explain nuanced fighting positions to a naïve audience like none other. This time, he’s defending his friend from supposed dissents who want him out of the UFC on a podcast with David Senra.
“And I’m like, Don’t ever f*cking call me and tell me who I’m gonna fire or what I’m gonna do.”
Rogan began calling fights for the UFC after Zuffa purchased the promotion in 2001. At the time, few people understood MMA, and fans tuning in to UFC broadcasts found some terms challenging. Here’s where Rogan’s heroics came into play, according to White. In a separate interview, White disclosed that Rogan called his first twelve UFC fights for free.
Meanwhile, their cordial relationship extends outside the fighting ring. The UFC President reportedly sought out Rogan’s assistance when he and his family tested positive for COVID-19. White disclosed that Rogan’s methodologies, including monoclonal antibodies, helped them recover from the virus.
Dana White considers Rogan a true fan of the sport, which shows in his broadcasts and separates him from the pack. The president failed to identify the particular individuals calling for Rogan’s sack during the podcast. However, he disclosed that the calls came from a section of the promotion’s sponsors. Based on White’s penchant for defending Rogan, chances are he’d do everything possible to keep Rogan in the promotion.
