10 things you didn't know about Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan is a man who has donned multiple roles in life and dabbled in various pursuits of his with utmost confidence and elan. A man known for putting his heart and soul into self-development, age doesn't seem to slow Joe Rogan down.

While we're aware of his passions outside of the UFC, most notably his podcast and stand-up comedy, here are 10 lesser known facts about him:

#1 He was supposed to fight Wesley Snipes

In the year 2005, actor Wesley Snipes’ finances were in doldrums and the Blade star was brainstorming of ways to make a quick buck. That’s when he challenged Joe Rogan to a one-off fight inside a cage. Joe Rogan acquiesced to it and was reportedly training hard for it.

The match, however, never materialized, as Snipes realized that he had gotten himself into hot water with the instinctive intention of fighting the well-rounded Joe Rogan and forfeited the proposal. The non-event would ultimately plummet Snipes into further depression, resulting in 3 years worth of jail-time for tax evasion.

#2 He advocates the legalization of marijuana

Rogan is extremely vocal about his love for cannabis since the early 2000s and has appeared in numerous interviews centered around the legalization of weed.

Even in his podcast, he frequently talks about marijuana and voices his opinions against some of the negative stigmas attached to it. Barring his “sober October” last year, Rogan loves his Mary Jane indulgences! He even loves smoking a doobie before he hits the gym to train.

#3 He dismissed the fight between Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock as “fake”

For most people, the top-draw at Bellator 138 between Ken Shamrock and Kimbo Slice was a “spectacle”. For Joe Rogan though, it was a bogus match-up laced with theatrics and fakeness.

He lashed out at the legitimacy of the “high profile” fight of the night which involved two of the most feared names. Slice survived a rear-naked choke from Shamrock and proceeded to score a TKO win. Rogan was appalled by how Kimbo survived the choke.

In addition to that, there were numerous instances citing that the fight was a well-rehearsed effort.

#4 He became a color-commentator for UFC just to get free tickets for his friends

In the year 2001, Rogan was offered to fill the spot of color-commentator by UFC president Dana White. Rogan initially turned it down as he just wanted to drink alcohol and watch the fights with his friends; to which a slight amendment to the proposal was mooted.

The following year, Rogan joined as a non-salaried commentator and was allowed to bring his friends to UFC events for free.

Under this arrangement, Rogan did 15 gigs before being converted into a full-time salaried employee.

#5 He accused Carlos Mencia of being a “joke stealer”

Like chalk and cheese, existed both. — Like chalk and cheese existed both.

Joe Rogan has often accused Honduran-born American of stealing his jokes. Not only that but Rogan also believes that Mencia lifts jokes from other comedians as well, calling him “Men-steal-ia”. In the year 2007, Rogan mocked Mencia on stage at The Comedy Store in Hollywood, without knowing that Mencia was in attendance. This spawned a heated argument between the two resulting in Rogan being later banned from the venue.

#6 He is a member of the “Eat What You Kill” movement

Rogan is an avid hunter and takes pride in the “Eat What You Kill” movement, which means that he hunts, butchers and cooks his own food. While people of his stature would shy away from anything controversial (which in this case is killing animals for food), Rogan actually takes pride in it.

#7 His trysts with psychedelic drugs

We know Rogan’s love for Mary Jane. Not many, however, know of Rogan’s affinity for psychedelic drugs and the experiences they bring forth. He has often expressed his opinions on psychedelic experiences on his podcast and advocates the use of substances like LSD and DMT to open up vistas of the human brain. Rogan also appeared on the documentary titled The Spirit Molecule which spoke about DMT experiences.

#8 He has a floating sensory deprivation tank at home

Cleansing himself of things holding him back

Rogan has been known to champion the cause of float therapy as a means of invoking the inner subconscious mind. He owns a floating sensory deprivation tank which is laden with 800 pounds of epsom salt allowing him to relax to the point where he feels “untethered” by the things holding him back in life.

#9 His personal octagon

Joe Rogan’s physique and fighting skill-set speak volumes about his dedication to the sport of mixed martial arts. But, not many people know that his personal home gym also has an octagon which he uses for sparring with friends! His home gym is also replete with punching bags and kettle-bells for his regular workout sessions.

#10 His first TV show barely lasted 2 months

His first show wasn't as eventful as it should have been

Rogan made his foray into the world of sitcoms with Hardball which didn’t see more than 2 months of air-time. In the show, Rogan played an egotistical baseball player marshaling a team of misfits. Rogan later insisted that the show could have been made better!

Edited by Kishan Prasad