Joe Rogan breaks silence on retirement rumours, reveals key Dana White clause in UFC deal

Key highlights

• Joe Rogan clarified he has no immediate retirement plans from UFC commentary .
• Rogan emphasized his long-standing friendship with Dana White as the primary reason for his continued involvement with the UFC.
• Despite being satisfied with his commentary role, Rogan has publicly suggested rule changes for MMA, including stricter penalties for fouls.

Speculation Joe Rogan may call it a day as the Ultimate Fighting Championship's most recognisable commentator after nearly three decades has been addressed by the UFC commentator himself. Podcasting titan at the age of 57 confirmed he has no immediate plans to step away from the commentary desk, but did reveal a surprising clause in his contract related to the continued leadership of UFC CEO Dana White.
Joe Rogan's commitment to UFC depends on Dana White's futureJoining the UFC in 1997, the moment the promotion crowned its first heavyweight champion, the renowned broadcaster has become an essential part of the promotion’s brand, while simultaneously building a media empire that has made him a household name and a nine-figure net worth.

"I just enjoy it. I don't think about retiring, no," Joe Rogan revealed on a recent episode of his podcast, addressing rumours that emerged following criticism of his commentary at UFC 314. "If Dana White quits, I might quit, but that's it. It's actually in my contract. If he leaves, I leave."

The candid admission highlights the deep personal connection between Joe Rogan and Dana White, showcasing a loyalty that extends beyond business considerations. Joe Rogan elaborated that his continued involvement with the promotion stems directly from this relationship.

"I wouldn't be doing it if it weren't for him. He's my friend. He talked me into doing it," Joe Rogan explained. "I started working for the UFC in 1997 when it was nothing, nobody was watching then."
Joe Rogan envisions rule changes despite satisfaction with commentator roleJoe Rogan is content in his role with the UFC, but has not been hesitant to say what he thinks is wrong with the sport. He also called for tougher penalties for fouls, advocating for point deductions for fence grabs and eye pokes as soon as they happen during the UFC 314 broadcast.

Joe Rogan has also proposed more dramatic changes to the fundamental structure of mixed martial arts competitions. "There's many times I wish I was running the UFC," Joe Rogan admitted. "I would change so many different things... I got some wacky ideas. I don't even think they should fight in a cage."

Instead, the veteran commentator envisions a larger matted area similar to a basketball court, featuring a warning track system where fighters could face point deductions for repeatedly going out of bounds.

Fans can watch Joe Rogan's next UFC commentary appearance at UFC 315, scheduled for May 3, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, available on pay-per-view through ESPN+.

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As Joe Rogan approaches his third decade with the UFC, his contributions to the sport remain significant, with his commentary continuing to shape how millions of fans experience the world's premier mixed martial arts organisation.