Everyone has regrets, even Joe Rogan.
As one of the world`s most popular podcasters, Rogan is also a prominent figure in the UFC, serving as a color commentator for the organization since 2002. Over his years with the UFC, Rogan has witnessed countless moments, from spectacular victories to missed opportunities. While he may wish some things had unfolded differently, one regret stands out above all others: Fedor Emelianenko never competed in the UFC during his prime.
“My biggest regret in MMA is that we never saw Fedor fight in the UFC when he was at his best,” Rogan shared with Ilia Topuria on his podcast. “If I could have one wish, it would be to have seen Fedor versus Cain Velasquez in their prime. That would have been incredible.”
Emelianenko, widely considered the greatest fighter to have never entered the UFC, was once ranked as the top pound-for-pound fighter in MMA during his reign as Pride FC champion. After the UFC acquired Pride in 2007, many Pride stars transitioned to the octagon, but Emelianenko was not among them. Instead, he chose to compete in various other promotions. However, Rogan clarifies that the UFC did try to sign him.
“They did try,” Rogan confirmed when asked about the UFC`s failure to sign Fedor. “I need to phrase this carefully: Fedor was managed by some Russian individuals who were very tough, let`s say, ‘gangster-type’ characters. They engaged in negotiations with the UFC, but their demands were extremely unreasonable. They wanted a share of the promotion; they wanted ownership in everything because they recognized Fedor was their golden ticket, and they intended to maximize its value. Negotiations became very intense and confrontational, escalating to a point where Dana White had to increase his security. It became quite serious. These were dangerous individuals… It got crazy.”
Emelianenko fought for several promotions, including Strikeforce and Affliction, before concluding his career with Bellator in 2023. Velasquez, on the other hand, experienced his peak years from 2009 to 2013, coinciding with the beginning of Emelianenko`s decline. Nevertheless, Rogan would have been thrilled to witness them clash during that brief period of overlap.
“That guy had an unbelievable gas tank, superhuman,” Rogan said of Velasquez. “For a heavyweight? It was unreal. You`d see opponents just break down. They would simply crumble. He had a pure boxing style, excellent wrestling, an incredible chin, and unwavering determination. Perhaps too tough for his own good, which ultimately led to his body wearing down later in his career. He suffered numerous injuries – neck, back, shoulder, knee injuries…”
“In his prime, Cain Velasquez against Fedor. That’s my biggest regret. A fight we were never able to see.”
