American podcaster and UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has directed the Professional Fighting League (PFL) at an opportunity he believes the UFC missed. Despite being an outspoken critic of uncommon striking events like the Power Slaps, Rogan’s love for a progressive UFC is undying.
The former TV presenter has publicly made attempts at convincing UFC founder Dana White to invest in kickboxing or Muay Thai. He shared his views while speaking on the JRE MMA Show #178,
“Maybe you guys should start a f—— Muay Thai, small gloves. Like UFC is f—— up with that. I’ve sent Dana [White] all these different fights… I’m like, ‘Look at this. This is what people want to see.’ Everybody boos when fights go to the ground if it gets boring. This s—‘s never boring. Maybe you guys should pick up the slack… That might be the move man. That might be what differentiates.”
The 58-year old veteran commentator has never shied about his love for Muay Thai in four-once MMA gloves. He’s followed up on that with multiple public attempts to convince the UFC to build a striking-only league.
And Rogan is worth listening to on topics surrounding the UFC or other striking games. He’s had a front-row seat at many of the most popular fights at the Octagon. Such experience means being up, close, and personal with some of the league’s unsavory nuances, qualifying. White has yet to heed his calls, but Rogan feels this has opened a window of opportunity for the PFL.
Rogan suggested that the PFL create a Muay Thai league with small gloves. Earlier in the conversation, the stand-up comedian asked PFL commentator Dan Hardy what he felt the promotion needed to do to improve. Hardy harped on multiple rule changes that the PFL has experienced since he joined the striking sports promotion, while Rogan turned his gaze to the UFC’s reluctance. He’d like the PFL to capitalize on where the UFC is missing out.
