Joe Rogan, a well-known UFC commentator, typically refrains from traveling internationally for UFC events. This practice will continue, extending even to events held in Canada.
UFC 315 is scheduled for May 10th in Montreal, featuring a main event where welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will defend his title against Jack Della Maddalena. The co-main event will see Valentina Shevchenko defending her flyweight title against Manon Fiorot. However, Rogan will not be part of the commentary team for this event.
During his UFC London Fight Companion podcast, Rogan stated, “I won’t be there. I don’t go to Canada anymore. I don’t. I’d rather go to Russia.”
While his absence from UFC 297 in Toronto in January 2024 was already noted, this marks the first time Rogan has publicly expressed his reluctance to travel to Canada, the neighbor of the United States.
Rogan previously explained that his decision to stop commentating international fights was primarily due to the extensive travel and time away from his home.
Although traveling to Canada from his home in Austin wouldn`t be a significant journey, Rogan seems uninterested in traveling there, possibly influenced by the current political climate in North America.
Recent tensions between the U.S. and Canada have emerged following trade tariffs initiated by former President Donald Trump, potentially leading to a trade dispute.
A recurring joke also circulated about Trump considering annexing Canada as the 51st U.S. state, which Rogan mentioned from a past conversation with the former president.
Rogan humorously recounted a conversation with Trump: “I had a conversation with Trump about it. He goes ‘I started calling him Governor [Justin] Trudeau just for fun but a lot of people are saying good idea. Maybe it is a good idea!’”
While Rogan will not be present, Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier are expected to provide commentary for UFC 315, and the UFC will likely announce a replacement for Rogan for the event.
Wesley Dunham