Joe Rogan and Dana White have spent many late nights together doing something they both love – working UFC fights. But there are some signals, or lack thereof, that have made fans wonder if they are actually long-lost siblings or separated at birth. But are they really?
No, Joe Rogan and Dana White are not related. However, they share common traits such as being Caucasian, having bald heads, and possessing a similar muscular build. They’ve collaborated in the UFC for over two decades, with White serving as Rogan’s boss and the two enjoying a strong friendship. While they know each other well, their busy schedules limit their social interactions outside of major UFC events.
It’s worth noting that Rogan has been with the UFC longer than White. Rogan started as a post-fight interviewer in 1997, and White got on board in 2001 when UFC was bought by Zuffa, a sports promotion company.
Are Joe Rogan and Dana White Brothers or Cousins?
The two alpha males have so much in common that while they may seem like brothers they are not related at all. But, in many ways they are brothers from another mother. On an Instagram Live chat in 2019 (YouTube), they did greet each other as brothers and their mutual respect for each other led White to call Rogan the greatest combat sports commentator ever.
Dana White: “What’s up my brother!”
Joe Rogan: “Hey brother!”
“I love the way you break down fights, I love the way you look at fights, that’s why you are the greatest combat sports commentator of all time.”
-Dana White to Joe Rogan
Are Joe Rogan and Dana White Friends?
Yes, Joe Rogan and Dana White are very good friends. They have worked together in the UFC since 2001, for over 20 years, with White being Rogan’s boss. In fact, Rogan stated on a JRE podcast – JRE MMA Show #142 that he has it in his contract that if Dana White ever leaves the UFC – then Rogan leaves too.
Also see: The Top 25 Best Friends of Joe Rogan
They know each other extremely well but rarely hang out outside of the big UFC fights, due to time limitations and busy schedules.
On JRE podcast #1237 with Sebastian Maniscalco, Rogan called White a “crazy man”, in an admiring kind of way, saying that White has a unique way of looking at things that is very effective and has been key to the profound success of the UFC.
Dana White Has Been on Joe Rogan’s Podcast
Dana White on JRE Episodes: #327, #723
Further solidifying their friendship, Rogan has had White on his JRE podcast two times, in episodes – #327 and #723 w/ Tony Hinchcliffe.
JRE #327 was one of my favorite episodes of all time. You can truly see how good of buddies they are and well they know each. What makes this episode great are the personal accounts Dana White has about Floyd Mayweather Jr., Mike Tyson, and Chuck Liddell.
Also see: The Top 20 Athletes Ever on Joe Rogan’s Podcast
How Did Joe Rogan and Dana White meet?
The origin of their working relationship stemmed from a single conversation that consisted of White offering Rogan a job, Rogan declining the job, and then Rogan changing his mind and accepting the job.
Rogan, had already worked for UFC starting in 1997 and then quit two years later. He mentioned that the main reason was the money from UFC was less than he could make doing stand-up comedy in a given weekend.
The conversation occurred when Rogan, who was not working for UFC at the time, was visiting a UFC fight in 2001 and talking to Dana White about different fighters and techniques. White, impressed, asked Rogan on the spot if he wanted to start to doing commentating for the UFC fights.
Rogan declined the offer, stating that he still loved the UFC but only as a fan. He loved to watch the fights with his friends and have some drinks. Persistent, White convinced Rogan to try it out for one fight, that fight being UFC 37.5 As Real As It Gets, which starred Chuck Liddell vs Vitor Belfort.
Rogan then changed his mind and committed to commentating a series of fights over the next year or so, working for free in exchange for tickets for his buddies.
Amazingly, Rogan said that he didn’t have any training in commentating, but he would just see what was happening and then explain to viewers what was going on. He would do both play-by-play and color commentary which developed his distinctive style.
What is remarkable about their relationship is that White gave Rogan room to grow and develop into the uniquely talented commentator he is today. That stemmed from Rogan finding his footing, doing a remarkable job from the start, and building trust in their friendship.
Also see: Joe Rogan Has 3 Different Black Belts: A True Master
A Bright Future For Rogan and White
Many things have changed over the 20+ year friendship between Rogan and White. The UFC has grown from a niche sport that was cash-strapped into a juggernaut that has overtaken boxing as the premier combat sport. Both Rogan and White are responsible for that transition.
It’s hard to believe that the UFC was purchased for $2 million dollars in 2001, when they both still had hair, thanks to White’s foresight and leadership. And persuading Rogan to come back into the fold was crucial as well.
White is the face of the UFC and Rogan is the voice. They are both inseparable. One wouldn’t be the same without the other.
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Thanks for reading!
A look at Joe Rogan and Dana White’s friendship, detailing how Rogan got lured back into the UFC by White. How good of friends are they? Why did Rogan not go to Fight Island? Dana White on Rogan’s podcast.