Joe Rogan's throwback UFC video from 1998 goes viral, fans say 'he doesn't get enough credit'

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Fans are obsessed with a 1998 tape of Joe Rogan appearing on the Conan O'Brien show that has just emerged. In the video, O'Brien questioned a youthful Rogan on the UFC, a new sport and rapidly expanding business.

At the time, most people were unaware of what mixed martial arts (MMA) was, so he gave the presenter and the audience a brief overview of it.

Also Read: Joe Rogan reveals how Kanye West's 'tornado of creativity' left him awestruck

Joe Rogan's viral video with Conan O'Brien in 1998

Joe Rogan responded to O'Brien's question on MMA by saying, "What Ultimate Fighting is, it's an octagon... they're great athletes. They have Olympic gold medalists and world jiu-jitsu champions and boxers. It's all just a combination of martial arts."

Additionally, O'Brien inquired about Rogan's status as a competitor in the UFC, to which he subsequently replied, "No, I just interview the fighters... I was, you know, at one point in time [a fighter]. Now I'm just a participant."

Also Read: Joe Rogan and Dave Smith discuss 'hyper-inflation' and 'fractional reserve banking' during JRE podcast

Internet reacts to Joe Rogan's video from 1998

Fans appreciated how O'Brien responded after he learned about the sport as well as how much MMA has changed in 30 years.

Also Read: Dana White shares his take on Clay Guida with Joe Rogan: 'How about the chin on him still'

In the video, O'Brien joked that the UFC 'lost respect' because its bouts were held in cages, illustrating the public's perception of fighting at the time.

A user commented, "That guy should start a podcast," whereas another person wrote, "Joe actually did more for the UFC than any promoter. He doesn't get enough credit."

A screenshot of comments on the post (@sandhumma/Instagram)

Another person mentioned, "Note: Head 1/2 the size. I think he suffers from Barry Bond Syndrome today," while one added, "A lot of people in this sport forget the work Joes been doing for decades flying the flag and being the middle ground for a lot of new fans to the sport."

Another person said, "It’s crazy how Conan was half laughing ab this and now it’s the one of the biggest sports in the world."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.