Michael Bisping has hailed Joe Rogan as 'the godfather of MMA commentary'.
The British UFC legend, 45, had the privilege of sharing the mic with the American comedian, 54, for Colby Covington's clash with Jorge Masvidal earlier this month at UFC 272 on March 5 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
And in true Bisping fashion, the former UFC middleweight champion showed his class by thanking UFC president Dana White for giving him the opportunity to work alongside one of the fight game's most recognisable faces in the world.
Bisping told MMA Junkie: “I feel it’s the next step in the evolution of my commentary career.
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“It was dubious circumstances, but there’s other people they can ask.
"I got the call, so I’m very very grateful to Dana [White], to Zach Candito, Craig Borsari, and all the production team for giving me those opportunities.
"It’s something that I’m very blessed and privileged to receive.
“Obviously you’ve got to earn that spot, and I guess I’ve done that. But just to get the call was incredible and yeah, Joe Rogan’s the godfather of MMA commentary. Let’s be honest.
SHANGHAI, CHINA - NOVEMBER 25: Michael Bisping speaks during the UFC Fight Night at Mercedes-Benz Arena on November 25, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Hu Chengwei/Getty Images)
"So to work alongside him was fantastic and just to be able to call those fights, you know. I love working the Fight Nights. It’s incredible, but to be calling title fights … it doesn’t get any bigger than that.”
The UFC confirmed on Tuesday that Bisping will be calling the fights this weekend as the world's premier mixed martial arts organisation returns to England's capital for the first time in almost three years.
Nicknamed 'The Count', Bisping showed his appreciation for the love and support he received from British fans during his career.
Speaking to The Independent, he said: "The name Shrek springs to mind, but it's great, it's beautiful.
"That's me pouring my heart out to everyone and thanking them for supporting this idiot from Clitheroe, because I wouldn't have had the career I had without the British public behind me.
"I took them on quite the ride – some ups and downs, I acted regrettably at times and for those I apologise. But I was maturing on air, if you will.
"I was never the smartest guy in the world; I'm far from an idiot, but I made plenty of mistakes over the course of my career.
"But the British always stuck with me. I had the losses, and they were still in my corner – that's partly why I was undefeated in the UK. It blew my mind."
Eternal MMA 64 takes place early Saturday morning. The prelims will be streamed live on GiveMeSport’s official Facebook page, while the main card will be broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass.