AUSTIN, TEXAS: Joe Rogan is regarded as a UFC legend. When fans think of the promotion, he is one of the faces that come to mind. Despite never having been a professional mixed martial artist, the former 'Fear Factor' host has earned the respect of the global MMA fandom.
Rogan is a hugely successful comedian in addition to his work as a UFC color commentator. He also broadcasts 'The Joe Rogan Experience', one of the world's most popular podcasts. Many fans are familiar with Rogan's prior accomplishments as a Taekwondo black belt. While much is known about Rogan, there are still aspects of him that people are unaware of.
5 things you should know about Joe Rogan
1. An amateur kickboxer
Rogan is a skilled martial artist, having earned black belts in Taekwondo, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu from close friend Eddie Bravo, and traditional Brazilian jiu-jitsu from Jean Jacques Machado. Despite his martial arts qualifications, Rogan never became a professional fighter.
He did, however, participate in amateur kickboxing, where he had two victories and one loss. After persistent headaches made him fearful of the potential implications of a long career in professional combat sports, he ultimately decided against pursuing a career as a professional fighter.
2. Rogan did not plan to become a comedian
Rogan's first ideas did not incorporate comedy due to his background as a martial artist. Instead, he intended to leverage his amateur kickboxing abilities to pursue a career in professional kickboxing. However, regular headaches and injury concerns kept him from pursuing a full-time fighting career.
Instead, Rogan considered becoming a professional kickboxer but finally opted against it. He might not have become the successful comic he is today if he had turned his martial arts training into a kickboxing career.
3. Rogan helped a private investigator
Rogan lacked a college degree and worked odd jobs. One of those jobs was assisting private investigator Dave Dolan. Dolan needed a helper to drive him around after a DUI rendered him unable to drive himself.
Joe Rogan was the assistant in question. Long after Rogan's breakthrough as a comic, the two remained friends. Dolan died a few years ago from cancer.
4. UFC commentator started career at strip clubs
Anyone, regardless of their chosen field of expertise, is unlikely to achieve instant success. Rogan became known for his blue comedy style, often known as ribaldry, after deciding to pursue comicness. The subjects of blue comedy are typically provocative in nature.
Blue comedy is a comedy that is off-color, risque, indecent, or profane, largely about sex. It often contains profanity or sexual imagery that may shock the listeners. This sort of humor led to Rogan being invited to perform at a number of strip clubs and bachelor parties, where similar topics were common.
5. Related to two members of My Chemical Romance band
My Chemical Romance is a rock band that peaked in popularity and success in the mid-2000s. Gerard Way is the band's lead vocalist, and Mikey Way is the bassist. There is a relationship between the two Way brothers and Rogan, even if it does not appear to be obvious.
In 2019, the UFC color commentator announced that he and the members of My Chemical Romance are first cousins once removed. Despite their family ties, Rogan stated that he has never met either of them. It's one of the strangest facts about the former 'Fear Factor' host.
