Joe Rogan’s voice has been the soundtrack to countless fights in the UFC. Being a well-known figure in the MMA promotion, Rogan has been an important pillar in the success of UFC. Over the years, he has been a commentator, interviewer, and a part of many memorable moments for UFC fans.
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Recently, on episode #1982 of the ‘Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan had John Hennessey as his guest. Hennessey is the founder of Hennessey Performance Engineering, a company that specializes in high-performance cars. On the podcast, Rogan revealed some age-old stories about his earlier encounters with MMA and UFC.
Joe Rogan recalls training at the same gym as Vitor Belfort
During their conversation, Rogan talked about his history with MMA and the UFC. He also discussed his time training at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Hollywood, along with former UFC fighter Vitor Belfort in the mid-90s.
In his time, Belfort was regarded as one of the best heavyweight fighters. He is a former UFC light heavyweight champion, and the world knew him for his quick hands and powerful striking. Rogan described watching Belfort train as “crazy”.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 11: Joe Rogan is seen on stage during the UFC 281 ceremonial weigh-in at Radio City Music Hall on November 11, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)
“I got into Jiu-Jitsu in like 96’, I was actually at the same gym that Vitor Belfort did when he was making his debut in the UFC. I was training at his gym. It was Carlson Gracie’s Academy, which was in Hollywood. I was learning from his coaches. It was crazy, to watch Vitor Belfort.”
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Carlson Gracie, in whose academy Rogan was training, is a legendary figure in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His academy has produced numerous champions, including Belfort. Rogan‘s association with the academy and Belfort highlights his deep roots in the MMA world.
How did Joe Rogan connect with the UFC?
Rogan’s guest, John Hennessey, asked him about how he got in touch with the promotion. Rogan recounted how Campbell McLaren, one of the producers of the UFC, was looking for someone to do interviews, and Rogan’s manager suggested his name. The 55-year-old jumped at the opportunity, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Joe Rogan‘s long-standing relationship with UFC and his passion for MMA has made him an integral part of its history. His recent podcast with John Hennessey provided a fascinating insight into his early days in MMA for all fans.
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