UFC legend Joe Rogan reveals dramatic transformation over past 23 years after footage emerges of first report

THE UFC have released footage of Joe Rogan during his first ever event with the MMA promotion 23 years ago – leaving fans stunned.

Legendary commentator Rogan has gone through a dramatic transformation from the start of his career to now, with his loss of hair the most striking change.

And fans could barely recognise the now esteemed pundit without his now-trademark bald bonce.

One said: Ohhhhhh! He had a hair!

Another said: “Who is this stranger doing a damn good Joe rogan impression?”

The first event he covered was UFC 12  on February 7, 1997, working as a backstage and post-fight interviewer.

But the American, who was also working in stand-up comedy, quit after two years as his wage barely covered the cost of travelling.

After Dana White’s school friends Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta brought the UFC in 2001, Rogan was offered a commentary role.

He initially declined a staff job, and instead worked on the mic for the company in exchange for free tickets for him and his friends.

But in 2002 Rogan accepted a full-time commentator job and has remained a synonymous part of UFC fight nights ever since.

During that time Rogan’s podcast has soared beyond all expectations.

And after 190million downloads per month in 2019, The Joe Rogan Experience was the most popular podcast, earning £24m in revenue, according to Forbes.