Even Joe Rogan has regrets.
As a prominent podcaster and long-time UFC commentator since 2002, Rogan has witnessed countless MMA moments. While many things could have gone differently, his biggest disappointment is that Fedor Emelianenko never competed in the UFC during his peak.
“My biggest regret in MMA is that we never saw Fedor fight in the UFC when he was in his prime,” Rogan admitted to Ilia Topuria on his podcast. “If I could have one wish, it would be to see Fedor vs. Cain Velasquez in their prime. That fight would have been incredible.”
Emelianenko, widely considered the greatest fighter to never enter the UFC, was once ranked as the top pound-for-pound fighter during his reign as Pride FC champion. When the UFC acquired Pride in 2007, many Pride fighters joined the UFC, but Emelianenko was not among them. He chose to compete in other organizations. However, Rogan clarifies that the UFC did try to sign him.
“They tried,” Rogan explained regarding the UFC`s failure to sign Fedor. “I have to be careful how I say this, but Fedor was managed by some Russian individuals who were very tough, gangster-types. They engaged in negotiations with the UFC, but their demands were very unreasonable. They wanted a share of the promotion, a piece of everything, because they knew Fedor was their valuable asset and they intended to maximize it. Negotiations became intense and confrontational, escalating to the point where Dana White had to increase his security. It became quite serious. These were dangerous individuals… It was crazy.”
Emelianenko fought for promotions like Strikeforce and Affliction before retiring with Bellator in 2023. Cain Velasquez had his prime years between 2009 and 2013, coinciding with Emelianenko`s decline. Rogan laments the missed opportunity to see them fight during their overlapping prime.
“That guy had unbelievable cardio for a heavyweight,” Rogan said about Velasquez. “It was unreal. You’d see opponents just break down against him. Pure boxing, excellent wrestling, incredible chin, and unwavering will. He was too tough for his own good, which ultimately led to his body breaking down later in his career. He suffered numerous injuries – neck, back, shoulder, knee…”
“Prime Cain Velasquez versus prime Fedor. That’s my biggest regret. A fight that never happened.”
