Michael Bisping has commentated countless UFC events, but for the first time in his career, he was given his desired opportunity to call a pay-per-view alongside Joe Rogan.

Earlier this month at UFC 272, which was headlined by Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal’s grudge match, UFC Hall of Famer Bisping joined Jon Anik and Rogan cageside, an opportunity that arose after Daniel Cormier sat out following the death of his mother.

“I feel it’s the next step in the evolution of my commentary career,” Bisping told MMA Junkie. “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. 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.”

UFC 272 marked the second consecutive pay-per-view event that Bisping has called. Bisping replaced Rogan at UFC 271 on February 12, which was headlined by the middleweight title fight rematch between champion Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker.