It’s a balancing act.
Joe Rogan’s job is to break down fights in an honest and objective manner but the UFC commentator is also good friends with a number of fighters so he has to juggle his impartiality with his desire to see his buddies do well.
And Rogan has recently admitted that there are certain fighters that force him to suppress his bias when they compete.
Ronda Rousey, a close pal of Rogan’s, is what triggered the conversation when UFC lightweight Donald Cerrone appeared on the latest episode of The Joe Rogan Experience.
“I have a biased opinion towards you too,” Rogan said. “I try to suppress it but a part of being a commentator is…like, Urijah Faber, I love that dude.
“I think Urijah Faber is a cool motherfucker and I love talking to him. When he fights, I have to put myself in a place where I don’t think about that.
“When TJ (Dillashaw) fights, I have to put myself in a place where I don’t think about that.
“I hate to tell you this but I love Conor. I love that dude!”
The former Fear Factor host went on to explain the dynamic at play when he takes to the commentary booth.
“It’s important for me and I try to be as objective but I also have to be honest if something’s happening and for some guys it hurts.”
Rogan has been accused by Conor McGregor in the past as favouring fighters from Team Alpha Male and that seems to have been proven right as Rogan went on to add to Chad Mendes to the list.
“I’m biased towards a lot of guys. I’m biased towards Chad Mendes. I love that dude. I think he’s a great guy.
“But when they’re fighting, damn dude, I try to let all that shit slide away. I try to look at it as objectively as possible.”
