Joe Rogan feels Bellator could have the world’s best fighters in at least two weight classes

Joe Rogan, a long-time color commentator for the UFC, is not just a UFC fan. He’s also very interested in the products offered by other MMA promotions, particularly Bellator MMA — the UFC’s chief rival.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show, Rogan shared his thoughts on Bellator MMA. Apparently, he’s hoping the promotion will continue to provide increasing competition for the UFC.

https://youtu.be/BB7tpgwvg1g

“I like it,” Joe Rogan said (transcript via MMAjunkie). “I like that the fighters are having a good time over there. They get paid well. I want it to grow. I want it to be right up there with the UFC. I would love it if it was a full rival like PRIDE was.”

Joe Rogan also heaped praise on Bellator President Scott Coker, the promotion’s broadcast team, and a number of its champions. In his eyes, a few Bellator champions might actually be the best fighters in the world in their divisions.

“I love Coker,” Rogan said. “I like what he’s doing. I’m somehow or another supposed to be in competition with Bellator. I say that’s horseshit. I’m the one who got Jimmy Smith hired [to the UFC]. I tried to get him hired years ago. I love the fact that ‘Big’ John [McCarthy] is over there now, and [Mike] ‘Goldie’ [Goldberg] is too. And Mauro [Ranallo], I love Mauro. They’ve got great fighters over there.”

“I love that Rory MacDonald’s over there. He’s the champ. If he’s not the best welterweight in the world, it’s him and Tyron [Woodley]. He’s most certainly one of the best. [Gegard] Mousasi is one of the best 185ers in the world, if not the best. They have legit claim to world-class fighters now in at least two weight classes.”

What do you think of Joe Rogan’s comments on Bellator MMA?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 9/13/2018.