Joe Rogan, UFC commentator and podcast host, has been vocal about what he considers the foundation of success in mixed martial arts. With decades of experience both as a martial artist and commentator, Rogan’s perspective carries significant weight in the MMA community.
“There’s no real one discipline that will work best in MMA. You have to know everything,” Rogan explains. “But if I were to say what discipline is the most important, I will say wrestling.”
His reasoning is practical and based on the fundamental dynamics of cage combat: “Because if you can’t keep a guy from taking you down, he’s going to be on top of you, he’s going to hold you down, he’s going to punch you in the face. It’s a giant advantage,” Rogan points out.
The MMA landscape has evolved dramatically since the UFC’s early days. Training methodologies, nutrition science, and the understanding of various combat disciplines have all improved significantly. However, as Rogan emphasizes, the core element of authenticity remains unchanged.
“Martial arts demands that kind of focus. You can not pretend. There is no pretending you’re good, you have to be good. There is no pretending you’re fast, you have to be fast. You have to be perfect because you’re fighting against other trained killers,” Rogan said in a conversation with Chris Williamson.
Rogan himself has extensive experience in combat sports. Before his entertainment career took off, he competed in Taekwondo tournaments at a high level. Later, he expanded his skills by training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai, giving him a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to succeed in the octagon.
While wrestling provides the foundation, Rogan acknowledges that a complete fighter needs more than just takedown defense. Jiu-jitsu skills are essential for fighters who find themselves on their backs, giving them submission options against opponents in dominant positions.
The comprehensive nature of MMA means fighters must be proficient in multiple disciplines. There’s no shortcut or substitute for authentic skill development—a point Rogan emphasizes when warning against “faking it” in the sport.
“You’re going to get hurt and I saw so many people get hurt,” he added, highlighting the very real consequences that come with competing at the highest level without proper preparation.
Rogan’s assessment of wrestling as the cornerstone discipline remains influential. Many championship-level fighters have demonstrated the validity of this perspective, using wrestling as both an offensive weapon and a defensive skill that allows them to dictate where the contest takes place.
