How Joe Rogan was insulted by UFC star Don Frye on his first night with the UFC

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 31, 2025, 23:47 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

Joe Rogan's entry into the UFC world began in 1997 when he was greeted with a blunt insult from Don Frye. Despite his unconventional background, Rogan's passion and knowledge of MMA earned him respect over time. His genuine love for the sport and ability to engage fans made him a crucial part of UFC history.

How Joe Rogan was insulted by UFC star Don Frye on his first night with the UFC

Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images

Before Joe Rogan became the voice of the UFC, he was just a guy from a sitcom trying to find his place in MMA. In 1997, he landed his first gig at UFC 12, but it wasn’t exactly a warm welcome. Don Frye, one of the sport’s early stars, greeted him with a blunt, funny insult that set the tone for their relationship. It was a harsh introduction to the no-nonsense world of MMA, where respect is earned, not given.

Don Frye and Joe Rogan’s first meeting: A legendary UFC moment

Years later, on The Joe Rogan Experience, Frye brought up the first time they met. He said, “First and only time we met, I insulted you.”
Backstage in Alabama, someone introduced them, and Frye was asked if he knew Rogan. His response? “Yeah. He plays that real dumb guy on NewsRadio.” Rogan, never one to take himself too seriously, laughed it off. He even admitted his NewsRadio character wasn’t far from his real personality. That got Frye’s respect. “You’re a smart bastard. I’m impressed,” Frye told him.

JRE MMA Show #112 with Don Frye

Rogan’s entry into MMA was unconventional. He wasn’t a former fighter, just a passionate fan with a background in stand-up and TV. But he knew the sport and how to make it exciting for fans. That first UFC event might’ve come with some friendly hazing, but Rogan didn’t let it shake him. It was a reminder that in MMA, respect has to be earned. Over time, Rogan became a key figure in UFC history, with fans connecting to his passion and fighters respecting his knowledge of the game.
Also Read: Ryan Bader free agency: UFC comeback or GFL showdown with Daniel Cormier?
Rogan’s first night in the UFC wasn’t just about starting his commentary career. It was a crash course in the brutal, no-frills world of MMA. That run-in with Frye wasn’t just some random insult—it was his real initiation. Over time, Rogan didn’t just become a commentator; he became part of the UFC’s fabric, shaping how fans connect with the sport. His genuine love for MMA and knack for making the action relatable turned him into an essential voice in the UFC, and with every fight, his reputation just kept growing.

Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

End of Article