8 Most Powerful People In MMA

8. Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan is "just a commentator" the same way Walter Cronkite was "just a news anchor." While we won't go so far as to say that Rogan is the most trusted man in America, he probably is one of the most trusted in MMA. His influence over MMA fans is undeniable, and he is directly responsible for helping educate many fans on the finer aspects of the sport.

Of course, many know Rogan from his stand-up comedy, the sitcom Newsradio, or his gig hosting Fear Factor, but he has been working for the UFC for years - through three separate ownership groups, in fact. He got his start at UFC 12 as an interviewer in 1997, then jumped to the color commentator spot in 2002. He has been the top color man in the game ever since, adding insight to fight after fight and having the ability to walk fans through various fight disciplines like no other.

In recent years he has also hosted a hugely successful podcast. Now, Rogan may not have direct power - he can't sign a fighter to the UFC, he's not a billionaire - but he can influence the entire UFC fanbase. That's power money cannot buy.