Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
UFC commentator Joe Rogan couldn’t be more happy at the news of Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal headlining UFC 244.
Over the weekend it was announced that Nate Diaz would get the fight he wanted, headlining UFC 244 against Jorge Masvidal in November. Many were excited to see this fight announcement, especially UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
Diaz called out Masvidal in his post-fight interview after defeating Anthony Pettis by decision at UFC 241 last month. Masvidal, who was cageside on the night, was all-in on the fight for the ‘BMF’ title. However it seemed Dana White wasn’t as confident on the fight taking place.
Talking on his UFC 242 fight companion, Rogan explained why he was so excited when he learned about the booking of the fight, and why White initially refuted the fight.
“I got so hyped, when I saw that on my Instagram I threw my arms up in the air like someone got knocked out,” Rogan said. “I was like ‘Yeeeeeaaaah!’ It’s worth money. I’ve said that I think Nate Diaz is one of the biggest superstars in the game, right up there with anybody.”
“I guess there was some negotiations or something because Dana White refuted it,” he said, referencing the UFC president’s recent comments on Diaz. “‘Well I don’t think Nate is in our long term plans and Nate fights once every three years.’ I’m like pffffft don’t say that! It was [White playing the game], I’m sure. And also letting him know he’s got other plans, there’s other s—t they can do. I’m just excited.”
After stating his interest in a welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, Rogan continued his praise of Masvidal by stating “Gamebred” doesn’t get enough credit for his knockout power, despite having finishes over top fights such as Donald Cerrone and Ben Askren.
“He’s so good and so clever, that’s one of the best things to say about Masvidal,” Rogan said. “And the thing is, people don’t necessarily associate him with knockout power for some reason, but the guy knocked out Yves Edwards with a head kick. Knocked out Darren Till, Donald Cerrone. He knocked out Ben Askren and put him in another dimension with a flying knee. World record fastest knockout.”