Joe Rogan and Jon Anik — say their names together and fight fans instantly hear the soundtrack of the UFC. These two have been the pulse of the Octagon, calling some of the wildest, most viral moments the sport has ever produced. Yet, whenever one is missing from a card, fans flood social media with complaints. The question lingers louder than ever: between Rogan and Anik, who really holds the crown as the UFC’s greatest commentator?

Looking at UFC history, Joe Rogan has been part of the promotion since 1997, starting out as a backstage and post-fight interviewer. After Zuffa acquired the UFC in 2001, Rogan accepted a commentator role and even did his first 15 gigs for free. On the other hand, Jon Anik joined the company in 2011, and he quickly hooked the fans with his commentary. Although Anik started a decade later than Rogan! Some argue that over time, he might have acquired the status of broadcasting GOAT. Here’s how.

Jon Anik has some of the best moments in commentary

To draw a comparison between two of the most iconic figures in UFC history, we have to look at their impact in some significant situations. Starting with Joe Rogan, the UFC color commentator has been the go-to guy for delivering expert fight analysis. On top of that, he’s also had some truly unforgettable moments as part of the commentary team. But it’s mostly his octagon interviews that made him famous.

Remember UFC 196? It was Rogan who asked Nate Diaz the question after he handed Conor McGregor his first UFC defeat: “Nate Diaz, you just shook up the world. How does that feel?” The Stockton native gave one of the most iconic replies ever: “I’m not surprised, motherf—er.” Moments like these are what truly elevated Rogan’s status as an interviewer—and there are plenty more. However, in Jon Anik’s case, it’s a little different.

Jon Anik, the UFC play-by-play commentator, has earned his shine purely from the broadcasting booth. For example, after Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker absolutely went at it in the third round of a UFC Fight Night headliner back in 2020, Anik dropped a cold line: “One of the best rounds in 2020, unless you like defense.” But that’s not all! He has also provided his voice when Poirier became the first man to knock out McGregor at UFC 257, saying, “Lafayette, Louisiana, your guy has done it”

And then came UFC 300. Anik had the entire arena fired up on the mic, roaring, “With one second to go! Gaethje face first on the canvas!” His voice has echoed behind so many of the promotion’s most historic moments, and with time, he only seems to be getting better. Beyond his unmatched presence behind the mic, Anik also brings a diverse portfolio to the table—making his impact on the sport even greater.

The UFC play-by-play commentator has a diverse portfolio

Well, if you think Jon Anik’s contribution is limited to the UFC, think again. Before joining Dana White’s promotion, the now 47-year-old spent five years working as an anchor. Thanks to his deep knowledge of MMA, various media outlets often turned to him to break down fights. It wasn’t long before he caught the eye of the UFC head honcho, who brought him on board in 2011, right as the Fox era was kicking off.

Anik began his UFC journey as a commentator in 2011, before making his play-by-play debut at UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. Miller in 2012. When legendary commentator Mike Goldberg later parted ways with the promotion, Anik stepped into the role full-time and has held it ever since, often sharing the booth with longtime partner Joe Rogan. But his broadcasting career extends beyond the UFC! He also served as the play-by-play voice for Season 1 of Bellator Fighting Championships.

After years of calling the biggest UFC and MMA events, Anik also had the chance to bring his voice to the historic Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford boxing super-fight. With UFC CEO Dana White serving as the primary promoter under the TKO banner, it was only fitting for Anik to take a leading role on the broadcast team. His performance drew widespread praise, with many highlighting his sharp, engaging commentary style.

So, It’s safe to say, without a shred of doubt, that Jon Anik has built a wider and more compelling commentary résumé than Joe Rogan. Arguably, making him the better voice behind the mic. And if there are still some who remain skeptical about Anik being the superior fight caller. Well, Rogan himself might just tell you that Anik is the best to ever do it.

Joe Rogan labeled Anik as the best play-by-play commentator

Some fans may still argue that Joe Rogan is the better commentator, but even Rogan himself has openly admitted that his colleague is on another level when it comes to calling fights. In fact, Rogan became a true admirer of Anik’s work after his electric call of the Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards clash at UFC 278.

In that fight, Rocky struggled against The Nigerian Nightmare for four straight rounds. Heading into the fifth, Edwards’ corner delivered one of the most iconic pep talks in UFC history, while the commentary team debated whether the Brit could pull off a last-minute miracle. As others doubted, Anik confidently stated, “That’s not the cloth he’s cut from.” And then—boom! Edwards landed the historic head kick that sent Kamaru Usman crashing to the canvas and secured the welterweight title.

That was the exact moment Rogan believes cemented Jon Anik as the greatest commentator in UFC history. On an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, the podcast king even compared him to Shakespeare and declared him the best of all time. And if Rogan himself says Anik is the greatest, it’s hard to argue otherwise.

With that said, what do you think about Jon Anik’s commentary in the UFC? Is he truly the best, or do you see it differently? Let us know in the comments below!