Dana White shoots down talk of Joe Rogan's UFC departure, hints at commentating 'dream team' in 2017

A recent report suggested that longtime Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) play-by-ply man and color commentator, Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg, could be nearing the end of their run with the biggest mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion in the world.

That is, of course if the right television deal comes along.

And while there have been plenty of changes made ever since WME-IMG took over the promotion following their massive $4 billion purchase of the company, UFC president Dana White says Rogan leaving the broadcast booth will not be one of them.

"(It’s an) absolute lie about Joe Rogan going away," White recently told The Fight Network via MMA Weekly. "How you could make shit like that up is pretty fucking amazing to me."

While there may be production changes coming in 2017, White assures everyone that as long as Joe wants to have his front row seat calling all the action, it’s his.

"There are some things I’m working on for 2017, as far as the broadcast goes, but that story (about Joe Rogan being removed) is a complete and total lie," he said. "Rogan will be here as long as Rogan wants to be here. He’s the best to ever do it. Rogan is the best ever, in my opinion."

No love for "Goldie?"

According to Dana's comments to SportsNet, he is currently working on a "dream" partner for Joe, which isn't a good sign for Goldberg's future, though he wouldn't exactly divulge much details.

"This has been my dream to assemble this dream team of commentating and I've wanted this guy for years and I'm working on it and it's going to happen," White said.

Hmmm, who could it be?

Many were caught by surprise with the recent firings of UFC legends Matt Hughes and Chuck Liddell, who were relieved of their front office positions with the company by the new regime (see why here).

That said, Rogan can find comfort in knowing Dana has his back and he has his job with the promotion for as long as he wants.