The UFC Has Faced 'Pressure' To Fire Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan has been involved with the UFC for nearly 30 years.

The longtime comedian and podcast host is known for his world famous "Joe Rogan Experience" show, but he's been associated with the MMA world for longer. Rogan has been a key part of the UFC's rise into the mainstream. Rogan started off as a backstage interviewer for the UFC in 1997. He later became a color commentator in 2002 and he's held that role ever since.

But Rogan can be a controversial figure.

The longtime podcast host often addresses touchy subjects on his show. He'll welcome any guest he feels is worthy of a discussion. He's not afraid to touch hotly-debated ideas. This doesn't sit well with everyone.

During times like the pandemic and the presidential elections, Rogan has faced backlash from some in the media and online.

UFC president Dana White has revealed that the fighting league has been "pressured" to fire Rogan.

Of course, the UFC did not bow down to the pressure. Instead, they continue to maintain a strong relationship with Rogan.

UFC won't be firing Joe Rogan

UFC president Dana White made it clear that he won't be firing Rogan.

"In Rogan's rise, he's gone through some [expletive] personally too," White told host David Senra on the "Founders" podcast.

"I've had people call - whether it's sponsors or whoever - and say, ‘Hey, you got to do this to Rogan' and I'm like, ‘Don't ever [expletive] call me; who the [expletive] are you to call me and tell me who I'm going to fire or do whatever to?'

"… To actually explain to people how much Rogan has dedicated [to the UFC]…he has been a key instrumental part of this company, and for anybody - I don't give a [expletive] how much money you have sponsored or whatever - yeah, no. Nothing is happening to Joe Rogan."

White has made it clear: Rogan is his guy.

"This is the [expletive] guy I need right here," White added. "I need him to do commentary - he's educated on martial arts, he's not afraid to talk about controversial [expletive] - this is my guy. I reached out to Rogan, and we hit it off immediately."

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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 7:09 AM.