Home

UFC

Why Is Joe Rogan Not Commentating Islam Makhachev’s Fight at UFC 294 and Being Replaced by Paul Felder?

Published 10/18/2023, 7:59 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Getty

The color commentator, Joe Rogan, has been a constant presence alongside the UFC since its early days. Rogan’s role within the UFC has always been indispensable, and there was a time when he was virtually synonymous with the promotion. Together with Bruce Buffer and Dana White, he forms a triumvirate that has played a pivotal role in shaping the UFC into what it is today. Although deeply entrenched in the promotion, Rogan appears to have adopted a more relaxed and easygoing approach to his commentary duties.

The voice of UFC has been missing from his commentary duties in the past few instances, and it seems that Rogan has made it a norm for himself. There are a number of commentators who have graced the cherished fields of UFC; however, none have reached the same level of recognition as Rogan. Perhaps it’s time to bid farewell to Rogan?

Joe Rogan will be absent from UFC 29 event

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

It comes as no shock to UFC enthusiasts that Joe Rogan has been conspicuously absent from the commentary booth for quite some time. Rogan has made it clear that he is firmly opposed to providing commentary for overseas events. He was notably absent from the action in Australia, Abu Dhabi, and Paris. According to Rogan, the international schedule is simply too demanding for his liking, and he prefers to focus on events held within the United States.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MMA Fighting (@mmafighting)

Similarly, Rogan won’t be making the trip to the UAE for the UFC 294 event. Instead, Paul Felder, a former lightweight contender, will take his place at the broadcast table during the event at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Felder will join forces with former UFC heavyweight Daniel Cormier and the resident play-by-play commentator Jon Anik to provide commentary for the fights on Saturday.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Brendan Fitzgerald will take the helm for both the pre-fight and post-fight shows at UFC 294, ensuring viewers get the inside scoop. Former UFC middleweight fighter Chael Sonnen will join him for expert analysis. Laura Sanko will also be there to provide her insights. Handling backstage interviews is Megan Olivi, while Bruce Buffer, the Octagon’s seasoned announcer, will continue his long-standing role.

Joe Rogan’s reduced UFC commentary schedule

Back in 2019, Joe Rogan made it clear that he would not be commentating on UFC ESPN Events. This was the deal as per his new contracts. He added, “I’m not interested. I would take this for zero money over being in Phoenix right now. Although I would wanna see those fights live and call those fights live, I’m good with 10 a year — 10 a year is what I like. Once a month, two months off. Listen, man, I was thinking I was on my way out, but I still love it. And I love it way more now because I don’t have to do it as much. And I love it way more now because we do this because we can do all of this shit-talking, have fun and be silly.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

With Joe Rogan missing from the UFC 294 action, it will be interesting to witness who will stand at the top when it comes to commentary. What’s your opinion on Joe Rogan’s decision to stay away from international UFC events? Do tell us in the comments below.

Watch this story: Joe Rogan Claims Why He Doesn’t Let His Kids Play With Phone

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Suryakant Das

1,084Articles

One take at a time

Suryakant Das is a UFC Writer at EssentiallySports. Combining his wealth of experience as a news writer and content lead with his passion for all things MMA, Suryakant brings a unique blend of reliable reporting and stylistic storytelling to his readers. His favorite fighter is Charles Oliveira, and he draws inspiration from the Brazilian MMA star’s underdog to world champion story for his own aspirations in life.
Show More>

Edited by:

Abhishek Das