Dana White defends Joe Rogan from firing demands: 'Loyalty matters'

UFC CEO Dana White says he will never fire longtime commentator Joe Rogan, no matter who asks.

White disclosed in a recent interview that powerful figures have contacted him demanding Rogan be removed from UFC broadcasts, citing the podcast host's controversial statements on politics and vaccines. White rejected those entreaties outright. "I'm like, don't ever call me," he said, per MMA Mania. "Who the hell are you to call me and tell me who I'm going to fire?"

Why White stands by Rogan despite controversy

White pointed to Rogan's early contributions to the promotion as the foundation of his loyalty. Rogan called the first dozen UFC events without pay when White and the Fertitta brothers bought the company in 2001. The two spent years doing 3 a.m. radio hits together to build the brand when almost no one else in mainstream media would book UFC guests.

"He's been a key, instrumental part of this company," White said. "And for anybody, I don't give a damn how much money you have, or sponsor, or whatever. Nothing's happening to Joe Rogan." He added that loyalty is the most important value in his world.

Rogan has drawn criticism over the years for statements made on his podcast, including episodes that questioned vaccine efficacy during the pandemic. Some sponsors and advocacy groups pushed Spotify to remove his show or edit past episodes. White has said publicly he would never tell a grown man what to say, even when Rogan's political commentary generates headlines. The UFC CEO once revealed he offered his own resignation rather than remove Rogan during a 2022 controversy.

Rogan remains under contract with UFC and continues to call major pay-per-view cards alongside Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier.

Original reporting:

• mmamania.com — Video! UFC’s Dana White Will Never Fire ‘Loyal’ Joe Rogan | MMA Mania