Significant changes are in the offing if the UFC, as rumours suggest may happen this year, is sold by Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta.
Many reports claim that advanced discussions are taking place for a sale to a Chinese investor and, if that were to take place, famed commentator Joe Rogan has admitted that he would be done with the organisation.
The admission came during an interview on The MMA Hour when Rogan, who has been with the UFC since 1997, told host Ariel Helwani that there would be no chance he’d stay on if the company was sold.
Ariel Helwani: “Let me ask you, are you leaving in August?”
Joe Rogan: “Who knows, bitch?”
AH: “Come on, tell me. You know. You know!”
JR: “I don’t know. I honestly do not know. I have a contract that’s up in August and IÂ haven’t made up my mind. I vacillate daily.”
AH: “If the UFC sells, will you leave?”
JR: “100%!”
AH: “You’re done?”
JR: “Yep.”
The UFC was purchased for a paltry $2 million back in 2001 but rumours abound that the figures being quoted for its potential sale are upwards of $3.5 billion.
Dana White’s position in the company would also be up for debate as his ability to say whatever he pleases may be hindered if his long-time friends aren’t at the helm. White holds about a 10% stake in Zuffa LLC, the UFC’s parent company, while both Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta own roughly 40% each.
It’s a waiting game right now but it certainly appears as though Rogan’s time at the commentary table is up if the UFC is sold.
