Joe Rogan defends UFC on Conan's show in 1998

In the United States during the late 1990s, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was experiencing a tumultuous time as it struggled to gain acceptance amidst a wave of criticism and attempts to ban it. During this period, a young Joe Rogan, then 31, made a notable appearance on 'Late Night with Conan O'Brien' in 1998. Rogan's objective was to promote an upcoming UFC event while also discussing his role in the sitcom 'News Radio.' His interview took place at a time when the sport was largely misunderstood and ridiculed by the mainstream media and public. While talking to Conan O'Brien, Rogan passionately explained what UFC entailed, describing it as a blend of boxing and wrestling that takes place in an Octagon. His enthusiasm was met with skepticism, particularly from O'Brien, who highlighted the stigma associated with the sport, referring to it as 'human cockfighting.' Rogan countered this perception by emphasizing the skill and athleticism of the fighters, many of whom were Olympic gold medalists and world champions in various martial arts disciplines. He pointed out that these athletes were far from 'dimwitted' and were, in fact, trained professionals who dedicated their lives to mastering their crafts. The segment also touched upon the challenges that the UFC faced at the time, particularly regarding safety and regulation. Rogan addressed concerns about censorship and the negative portrayal of MMA, which stemmed from a lack of understanding by the media and general public. During the interview, despite the dismissive attitude of the audience, he sought to highlight the positive aspects of the sport, affirming the importance of safety and proper regulation that would eventually evolve in the coming years. Historically, Rogan's appearance on O'Brien's show was significant as it contributed to the gradual acceptance and popularity of mixed martial arts. Over the years, Rogan has continued to be a strong advocate for UFC and MMA, using his platform to educate the audience about the sport and its athletes. It’s noteworthy that O'Brien later became a host to various MMA personalities, including Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and Daniel Cormier, marking a shift in how these fighters and the sport were perceived in mainstream media. This evolution from being seen as taboo to becoming widely accepted reflects the larger trends in entertainment and sports culture since the late 1990s.