Former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira has nothing but praise for longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan. Teixeira is currently gearing up for an opportunity to once again hold UFC gold, as he’ll take on Jamahal Hill at on January 21 for the vacant 205-pound strap.
Ahead of the contest, Teixeira was recently a guest on the “Brazilian MMA Legends” podcast, where he discussed a variety of topics. During the show, Teixeira offered up his thoughts on Rogan, who has been commentating for the Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion since the late 90s.
Glover Teixeira Praises Rogan
Teixeira raved about how authentic Rogan is as a person, keeping the same persona both on and off the camera from his podcast. The Brazilian legend notes it’s likely why so many fighters respect him as much as they do.
“Even before Brazil, you know? Back when I fought Sokoudjou he was already seeing me. And at the time he was good friends with Chuck Liddell and John Hackleman. Joe Rogan is a great person, right man? I think that’s why he succeeds in life.
“Because he’s a very real guy, he’s not like that just on the podcast. He’s the man. He’s just like you see on the podcast all the time, you know? Everyone likes him and that’s why fighters have a lot of respect for him. Because he’s not that way just on camera, but off camera too. And I think that’s the greatest respect people can earn. Joe Rogan is like that all the time.”
Rogan has been commentating for the UFC since the late 90s, sitting cageside for some of the most historic moments the sport has ever seen. His voice will always serve as a soundtrack to the UFC for some of those moments, having become notorious for his over the top reactions to big knockouts. Today, Rogan only works selective pay-per-view (PPV) events as a commentator, specifically, only those that take place in the United States.
Joe Rogan’s career as a UFC commentator began in 2001, when the organization was taken over by Zuffa. As a comedian and television host, Rogan had already been attending UFC events and had become friends with the new president, Dana White. When White offered him a job as a color commentator, Rogan initially turned it down, preferring to just enjoy the fights and have a good time. However, White convinced him to take the position in exchange for free tickets to the events for him and his friends. After about 15 free gigs, Rogan agreed to accept pay for the job and worked alongside Mike Goldberg until the end of 2016. His work as a commentator earned him two Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards for Best Television Announcer and four World MMA Awards for MMA Personality of the Year.
