When Chael Sonnen addressed Joe Rogan's "awkward" interview with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson: "He tried to cancel him"

Chael Sonnen once dissected Joe Rogan's interview with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, remarking that it seemed notably uncomfortable for both men given their complicated history.

Last November, the veteran UFC commentator hosted Johnson on The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE). Their conversation spanned a variety of topics, from politics to fitness and beyond.

Despite Rogan and Johnson maintaining a deferential demeanor throughout the podcast, Sonnen asserted that it was all a facade intended to deceive the audience. In a video on his YouTube channel last year, the former UFC middleweight title challenger expressed his astonishment at the duo's decision to avoid discussing their past during the episode:

"I told you how awkward it was to watch these two famous, successful rich men pretending to be happy for the other one's fame, success, and richesness. When Joe Rogan was at his absolute lowest, and they tried to cancel him... 'The Rock' piled on... 'The Rock' did not use the R-word, in all fairness. He did not call him a racist, but he called him a racist... and he tried to cancel him."

He added:

"And Joe took his little notes, right?... He's given receipts, and he'll mention a comment here and there about 'The Rock' being on steroids... There are little receipts over time."

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments below (1:46):

Sonnen appeared to be alluding to the past conflicts between Rogan and Johnson. The podcaster has repeatedly accused 'The Rock' of using steroids, while the WWE superstar had been a steadfast supporter of Rogan. However, during Rogan's N-word controversy, Johnson seemingly distanced himself.

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When Chael Sonnen reacted to Joe Rogan's controversial views on MMA fighters outside of UFC

During an episode of the JRE MMA Show last December, Joe Rogan hosted rising UFC middleweight contender Bo Nickal. Rogan compared the UFC to the NFL, likening other MMA promotions to lesser-known American football leagues. He went on to assert that top fighters outside the UFC are "wasting their careers."

Chael Sonnen took notice of Rogan's remarks and decided to address them on his YouTube channel. While 'The Bad Guy' acknowledged some validity in the UFC color commentator's points, he emphasized the importance of context when discussing elite fighters who haven't yet competed in the UFC:

"What is your career, and what are you looking to do with your career? Were you looking to be recognized? Were you looking to win a belt? Were you looking to win a specific championship? Or were you looking to make as much money as you could? A lot of times wherever the most eyeballs are is the most money. I get where that would make sense, but not always and you would have to wonder which one you are."

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments below (4:00):