Joe Rogan can be termed as the voice of the UFC. The veteran announcer has lent his voice to numerous UFC fights across the years. His reactions to iconic moments are stuff that fans will not be able to imagine should it be replaced. Whilst, audiences regard him as the doyen of the sport, we take a look at the time Rogan made his UFC commentary debut. 

Joe Rogan returns to the UFC commentary team in 2002

Rogan had been part of the UFC in the pre-Dana White days. However, it wasn’t a permanent gig as he switched to hosting Fear Factor. Upon his return, one could see the fan within the expert as he passionately proclaimed his love for the sport. He said, “I’m a huge fan of ultimate fighting, all mixed martial arts. Literally, I don’t care about other sports.”

The appearance at UFC 37.5 came mere days after Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal delivered a three-peat with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, Rogan wasn’t bothered by this. “The Lakers won their 3rd Championship the other day, I couldn’t care less. If they made Basketball illegal it wouldn’t even bother me.”

The ESPN MMA video shows an excited Rogan at the desk where he can’t contain himself in singing the praises of professional fighting. 

“For me, this is like Christmas, my birthday, happy new year, April fools whatever. I can’t wait for this fight. This fight is a thousand times more important to me than Tyson Lewis. Phenomenal fight. I can’t even believe it’s real.”

Next, we get a glimpse of the unabashed self fans have grown to love about him. “It’s better than Fear Factor. Fear Factor sucks compared to UFC. I don’t care, I’m just telling the truth.”

In over 18 years behind the desk, his enthusiasm hasn’t diminished one bit. It is a sign of being an enthusiast. This is because only such a person can evocate an undiminished amount of passion for such a long time. 

Will the UFC ever be the same/been what it is without Rogan at the announce desk?

Watch: Joe Rogan’s Iconic Reactions To The Best Moments in UFC History