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.
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."
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.
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."
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."
