The UFC commentary booth has been a contentious topic among fans ever since the promotion set up shop back in 1993. Despite its often divisive nature, most fans still adore mainstay commentators such as Joe Rogan and Jon Anik. And this is mostly because of how much the UFC broadcast team adds to live events.
Commentators often point out little nuances during fights that the casual observer may miss. They also provide important updates regarding ongoing and future UFC events, the commentary booth does it all. The presence of ex-fighters like Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping also adds to the experience. Commentators like them can provide unique insights into the action unfolding in the octagon that non-fighters simply cannot.
However, for the upcoming UFC 284 event headlined by Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski, there will be one absentee that may upset fans. Longtime UFC commentator and former Fear Factor host, Joe Rogan, will not be present during the UFC 284 broadcast. Fans who have been around for a while will not be surprised as Rogan is rarely present at international events.
For the UFC 283 pay-per-view in January, former UFC fighter, Paul Felder called the action in Rogan’s stead. This was also the case when Islam Makhachev won the lightweight title at UFC 280 after demolishing Charles Oliveira in the second round. However, fans will still rue missing out on having Rogan call the action at UFC 284.
Why does Joe Rogan miss UFC events outside of the United States?
Joe Rogan not calling the action at UFC events outside the United States is something most longtime fans have gotten accustomed to. However, why is this the case? Why is the veteran UFC commentator rarely present during international events despite the magnitude and importance of the fights on those cards?
Well, all of this boils down to the fact that Rogan doesn’t have all his eggs in one basket. He is also an excellent and widely renowned stand-up comedian. And he regularly performs in comedy clubs around the United States. Apart from this, Joe is also the host of the world’s largest podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. With nearly 2000 episodes, surely the UFC commentator does not find much free time for himself because of the podcast.
In essence, Joe Rogan just does not have enough time to juggle all his undertakings while spending hours upon hours on travel during international UFC events. After all, being stuck on a flight from Texas to Rio De Janeiro for over 10 hours does not benefit someone with a schedule as packed as Rogan’s. And this is why Joe Rogan does not commentate during international UFC events.
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