Joe Rogan is buzzing with excitement over the recent success of MVP MMA on Netflix, where their debut show attracted a staggering 17 million viewers. While he celebrates this milestone for the sport, he also expresses concern about the challenges facing Scott Coker, the former Bellator and Strikeforce head, as he makes his return to MMA promotion.
On a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan welcomed MMA referee Big John McCarthy and retired fighter Josh Thompson to discuss the implications of MVP’s rise and Coker’s ambitious comeback, backed by a reported $60 million in funding. Despite his admiration for Coker, Rogan acknowledges the uphill battle he faces in establishing a successful promotion.
“I have a lot of respect for Scott, but I wish him good luck,” Rogan remarked. “When I first heard about the $60 million, it seemed substantial. But when you consider the costs of running an MMA promotion—fighter salaries, venue rentals, production expenses—it starts to feel less impressive. Sure, having someone like Tony Hawk on board helps, but it’s still a tough road ahead.”
Rogan is a firm believer in the importance of competition within the sport. He noted that MVP’s Netflix deal has injected much-needed funds into the MMA landscape, benefiting athletes and fans alike. “More options are always better for everyone involved,” he added. “But I genuinely hope Scott can pull it off. It’s a challenging endeavor.”
The UFC, with its decades of brand-building, remains the dominant force in MMA, but both Rogan and McCarthy recognize that even the UFC is facing difficulties in creating new stars. “Fans often tune in just because it says UFC, not necessarily because they know the fighters,” McCarthy pointed out. “The challenge now is marketing these athletes effectively, something that was easier in the past.”
Rogan emphasized the importance of attracting casual fans, who are essential for the sport’s growth. “Many casual viewers don’t even realize there’s a Fight Night happening,” he said. “For hardcore fans, it’s like feeding them constantly, but we need to engage those who don’t watch regularly.”
As the UFC gears up for a series of events, including a highly anticipated matchup between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, the stakes are high. This fight marks McGregor’s first return to the octagon in five years and his first non-pay-per-view bout since 2015. With Netflix boasting four times more global subscribers than Paramount+, McGregor’s star power could significantly boost viewership numbers.
“Seeing 17 million people tune in for MVP MMA is monumental,” Rogan said. “This is a win for the entire sport. We need more competition and more eyes on MMA. The upcoming McGregor fight is going to be a massive event; it’s going to generate a lot of buzz.”
As the MMA landscape evolves, one question remains: What will it take for new promotions to truly compete with the UFC’s legacy?
