“Wanted to Control People That They Make Stars” – Joe Rogan Exposes MTV With ‘Low’ Salary Pay Truth From His Rookie Days

Joe Rogan is a man who has tried his hand at many things before finding success in his current career as a comedian, podcast host, and UFC commentator. From his early days as a stand-up comedian to his current role as the host of one of the most popular podcasts in the world, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience,’ Rogan‘s journey has been one of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to try new things. And he seized every opportunity that landed itself in front of him. Having said that, he has been shrewd enough to turn off offers that could have completely changed the course of his boat in a negative way. The 55-year-old discussed a ‘crazy’ offer MTV made to him in his early career and how they wanted to bind and control their performers.

Joe Rogan escaped an ordeal of a contract

During episode #1930 with Adam Curry, Joe Rogan discussed how MTV made him a cheap offer that, if he had taken it, would have been a grave mistake for his career. “MTV back in that day, I actually had some dealings with,” said the UFC commentator.

He further added, “While I was on the MTV, half-hour comedy hour, that was the one of the first things I ever did. MTV offered me a show, but it was a ridiculously low amount of money. Like crazy… Even if I did the pilot, it was something insane. Like, I was locked into them for 5 years.”

He further added that how it was MTV’s approach that made him uninterested in the gig for the most part. Rogan also highlighted the channel’s practice of essentially controlling the talent by binding them to a contract. Joe Rogan stated, “What did happen was, a bunch of people who’ve gotten really famous off of MTV… they (MTV) decided that they wanted to control people that they make stars.”

Read more: “He Was So Tanned… He Didn’t Talk Like a Comic”: Rookie Joe Rogan Got Under the Skin of Many Comedians, Recalls His Friend C.K. Louis

Having said that, Rogan then tried his hands on various options until he finally landed upon becoming a commentator for the UFC. And this changed his career for the best.

UFC turned the tables for good

Joe Rogan ended up working with the UFC through his friendship and relationship with promotion president Dana White. In 2002, Dana White and his partners bought the UFC and began to rebuild it into the major organization it is today. At the time, Rogan was a commentator for the UFC and became a key figure in the company’s commentary team.

Rogan‘s passion and enthusiasm for the sport, combined with his expertise and understanding of MMA, made him a valuable asset to the UFC. His involvement with the UFC has been instrumental in helping to grow the sport of MMA and to make it more mainstream and accessible to a wider audience. And undoubtedly, he is a fan favorite among the UFC faithful.

Watch this story: Joe Rogan On Howard Stern And His Evolution Towards Being Woke