Joe Rogan explains what’s stopping his departure from UFC under new ownership

Joe Rogan has done more to educate the masses about MMA than arguably any other person in the history of the sport.

Rogan keeps hinting that he may call time on his career as a UFC colour commentator soon and when that day comes, it will be a very emotional one for fight fans who grew up with him as the voice of the sport. He now has a reduced role, only commentating on numbered UFC events in USA with the likes of Brian Stann, Dan Hardy, and Daniel Cormier filling his shoes for cards in Europe and Brazil, as well as the smaller Fox events. Before the UFC was sold to WME-IMG in that landmark sale, he hinted that he would step away from the role he made his own should the deal go through. Of course, it did, but Rogan signed on for another year while his long-serving commentary partner Mike Goldberg left. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/821013223717609472 Rogan had some kind words to say about Goldberg on the most recent episode of Fight Companion for UFC Phoenix. He addressed his departure not being acknowledged during his last ever UFC gig, explaining that the owners did not want to mark the occasion, although he didn't go into much detail.

"I will stay in contact with Mike (Goldberg) until the day I die. Mike is my friend and the UFC was sold to WME. They have their own thoughts on what they want to do. I will be friends with Mike Goldberg until the day I die. I love that guy."

He shed some light on his relationship with the new owners, adding that Dana White remaining in the role of president is the reason why he hasn't left the company yet.

"I don't know what's going on in terms of organisations, you know? I literally know Dana and Dana's the reason why I'm still there. I've met Ari. He's a very nice guy, he's a very smart guy, he's a very successful guy. I wish them all the best, I'm rooting for them 100%. Obviously I'm still with the company. I love them. It's an honour to work for the UFC."

When pressed by guest Brendan Schaub, Rogan confirmed that should White ever leave the promotion, he'll be following suit.

"Oh yessss! He's the only reason I'm there."