Rogan empathizes with Steele’s gaffe, recalling his own experiences of being mistaken for other bald figures in the UFC world

Joe Rogan, the renowned podcaster and UFC commentator, recently shared his reaction to Sage Steele’s mix-up during a podcast interview with UFC CEO Dana White. Steele, who confused White for Rogan, faced an awkward moment that caught the attention of both fans and industry insiders. Rogan, discussing the incident on his JRE MMA podcast alongside co-hosts Din Thomas and Matt Serra, expressed understanding and empathy towards Steele, highlighting the commonality of such mistakes in the world of podcasting and live interviews.

Rogan humorously recounted his own experiences of being mistaken for Dana White, emphasizing the ease with which one can slip up during a live conversation. He pointed out the pressures of conducting high-profile interviews, especially for those new to podcasting, where the fear of running out of questions can lead to unexpected blunders. Rogan commended Steele for not editing out the mistake, viewing it as a relatable and humanizing moment that everyone could learn from.

The incident occurred towards the end of Steele’s interview with White when she inadvertently asked, “What’s Joe Rogan’s dream?” instead of inquiring about White’s aspirations. The mix-up led to a light-hearted exchange between Steele and White, with White jokingly expressing his surprise at being confused with Rogan. 

Despite the gaffe, both White and Rogan took the situation in stride, with Rogan appreciating Steele’s decision to leave the error in the final edit of the podcast.

Rogan’s co-hosts, Thomas and Serra, also shared their experiences of being mistaken for other prominent figures within the UFC, underscoring the frequency of such mix-ups at events. The discussion served as a reminder of the challenges and pressures associated with live broadcasting and the importance of maintaining a sense of humor when faced with unexpected situations.

This incident not only provided a moment of levity within the MMA community but also highlighted the camaraderie and understanding among its members when navigating the pitfalls of public speaking and media engagements.