Dana White shared Joe Rogan's first UFC 'paycheck' after working in front of just 3,100 people
UFC president Dana White has revealed how much Joe Rogan ‘earned’ at his first show - and you may be surprised.
Rogan, 57, is one the most recognisable faces in MMA as he commentates on the company’s US pay-per-view events.
Not only is he known for being a knowledgeable commentator, as well as being the host of the world’s most listened-to podcast, ‘The Joe Rogan Podcast’.
But Rogan is even a popular comedian and regularly invites several of his friends onto his show.
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But in February 1997, Rogan was part of the broadcast team for UFC 12 in Dothan, Alabama.
The event was watched by just 3,100 people at the Dothan Civic Centre.
According to White, Rogan even offered his work to the MMA promotion for free.
The company was not anywhere near the level it is now, and even White was not president at the time.
The UFC had only held their first overseas show, in Japan, the year before in 1996.
“We [White and Rogan] talk all the time,” White explained to Barstool in 2020.
“Rogan and I, since day one, have an incredible relationship. We care about each other, we respect each other.
“We both love the sport… When I wanted Rogan to come and commentate, I reached out to him whatever, Rogan did the first fifteen for free. He didn’t want the pay.”
“Rogan gets paid now,” explained White.
“He gets paid now…
“But you wouldn’t tell the difference from when Rogan was doing it for free from when Rogan is being paid sh*tloads of money to do it.
“Because Rogan doesn’t do it for the money. Rogan does it because it’s his passion. That’s what he loves to do.”
Part of the reason the podcaster has become arguably the best commentator in the game is that he has also practised Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, according to Essentially Sports.
It is reported that Rogan started training in MMA as a teen and has earned a BJJ blackbelt under the guidance of coach Jean Jacques Machado.
In 2020, Rogan signed an exclusive deal, worth $250m (£197m) [according to New York Times]. So it's fair to say, him offering his work for free over two decades ago has benefited his career long-term.
Topics: UFC, Joe Rogan, Dana White, MMA
Luke Davies