How Did Joe Rogan Get Involved in the UFC? The Untold Story of His MMA Journey
By Ali Hammad June 18, 2025 09:54
Joe Rogan’s name is synonymous with the UFC, yet his path into the world of mixed martial arts broadcasting wasn’t straightforward. Today, Rogan is the voice that millions associate with the sport, but his journey began in the late 1990s when the UFC was still a niche, struggling promotion. His unique blend of martial arts experience, comedic talent, and passion for combat sports helped him carve out an iconic role that has shaped the UFC’s rise to global prominence.
Early Martial Arts Background and Entertainment Career
Before stepping into the UFC spotlight, Joe Rogan was deeply involved in martial arts. As a teenager, Rogan trained extensively in Taekwondo, earning a black belt and competing at high levels. He also ventured into kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which gave him firsthand knowledge of combat sports that would later prove invaluable. However, by his early 20s, Rogan was transitioning toward a career in stand-up comedy, performing in clubs and slowly making a name for himself in the entertainment industry.
His early acting gigs, including a role on the NBC sitcom News Radio, showcased his charisma and helped him build a public profile. Yet, Rogan’s passion for martial arts never waned, and he remained connected to the combat world.
The Breakthrough: UFC 12 and the Backstage Interviewer Role
Rogan’s first involvement with the UFC came in 1997 at UFC 12: Judgement Day in Dothan, Alabama. At just 29 years old, he was hired as a backstage and post-fight interviewer a role that perfectly combined his comfort on camera with his martial arts knowledge. UFC co-founder Campbell McLaren later recalled that Rogan’s comedic background and martial arts credibility made him an ideal fit for the fledgling promotion, which was still struggling for legitimacy and a foothold on pay-per-view.
Rogan himself described the experience as surreal, recalling the logistical challenges of traveling to remote venues and the raw, unpredictable nature of early UFC events. “I wanted to see it live. I’d only seen it on television. I’d never seen a live cage fight before,” Rogan said in a 2019 podcast episode. His first words on air were, “Thanks Bruce. I’m back here right now backstage. I’ll be interviewing the fighters as they come out of the octagon,” marking the start of a decades-long relationship with the sport.
Early Departure and Return Under New Leadership
Despite his enthusiasm, Rogan left the UFC after about two years because his stand-up comedy career was more lucrative and traveling for UFC events wasn’t financially sustainable at the time. However, the UFC’s fortunes changed dramatically in 2001 when the Fertitta brothers purchased the promotion and Dana White became president. Dana White, a longtime friend of the Fertittas and a fan of Rogan’s martial arts background, personally persuaded him to return not as an interviewer but as a color commentator.
Rogan initially hesitated, joking that he just wanted to watch fights with friends, but he soon embraced the role. He even worked for minimal pay during the UFC’s financially challenging early 2000s. Rogan’s deep knowledge of martial arts, combined with his engaging commentary style, helped elevate the broadcast quality and fan experience.
Becoming the Voice of the UFC
Over the years, Rogan’s role expanded from backstage interviewer to lead color commentator, where his insightful analysis and enthusiasm became a hallmark of UFC broadcasts. He has witnessed and narrated some of the sport’s most historic moments from Conor McGregor’s rise to Israel Adesanya’s title reign earning respect from fighters, fans, and industry insiders alike.
Dana White has often praised Rogan’s contribution, calling him “the heart and soul of the UFC broadcast.” Rogan’s unique blend of humor, technical knowledge, and genuine passion has helped the UFC grow from a fringe spectacle to a mainstream sports powerhouse.
Joe Rogan’s involvement in the UFC is a story of passion meeting opportunity. From his martial arts roots and stand-up comedy beginnings to his serendipitous first UFC gig in 1997, Rogan’s journey reflects dedication and adaptability. As he himself put it, “I did, like, 12 shows for free” when the UFC was struggling, underscoring his belief in the sport’s potential.
Today, nearly 30 years later, Joe Rogan remains an indispensable figure in MMA, a testament to how his early love for martial arts and unique talents helped shape the UFC’s global rise.
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