MMA Legend Reacts To Joe Rogan's Controversial Take On Non-UFC Fighters

One MMA legend responds to Rogan's take on non-UFC fighters.
MMA Legend Reacts To Joe Rogan's Controversial Take On Non-UFC Fighters
MMA Legend Reacts To Joe Rogan's Controversial Take On Non-UFC Fighters /

UFC color commentator Joe Rogan turned a lot of heads in the MMA community, and one legend has spoken out.

During an episode of the "JRE MMA Show," Rogan had rising UFC prospect Bo Nickal on as a guest. On the show, Rogan expressed his belief that top fighters outside of the UFC are "wasting their careers."

Rogan also went on to compare the UFC to the NFL, and other MMA promotions to lesser known American football leagues.

“No disrespect to the other organizations, there’s very good fighters in the other organizations, but I often feel like they’re wasting their career,” Rogan said. “Because I see these elite fighters that are fighting in Bellator and PFL, and I’m like, ‘Hey guys, no one’s watching.’ I mean, some people are watching, you’re getting a little bit of a fan base. I don’t wanna disrespect, but there’s a reality, and then there’s the XFL, there’s the CFL, and then there’s the f****** NFL. If you’re not in the f****** NFL, are you really playing football? You know what I'm saying? That’s just how it is, man.”

Chael Sonnen Responds to Joe Rogan On Non-UFC Fighters

Chael Sonnen UFC 296
(YouTube: Chael Sonnen)

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen caught wind of Rogan's comments and decided to chime in on his YouTube channel. While Sonnen sees some of Joe's points, he believes context is important when discussing an elite fighter who hasn't tested the UFC waters.

"What is your career, and what are you looking to do with your career? Were you looking to be recognized? Were you looking to win a belt? Were you looking to win a specific championship? Or were you looking to make as much money as you could? A lot of times wherever the most eyeballs are is the most money. I get where that would make sense, but not always and you would have to wonder which one you are."

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Fernando Quiles Jr.
FERNANDO QUILES JR.

Fernando has over a decade of combat sports news writing experience. He currently covers MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. Fernando joined MMA Knockout as the Lead Writer/Editor when it was founded in 2023.