Veteran UFC commentator Joe Rogan has confirmed that he will not be working at UFC 315 in May, stating that he has no interest in traveling to Canada for the event. Rogan, 57, made the remark on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, saying, “I won’t be there. I don’t go to Canada anymore. I’d rather go to Russia.”
UFC 315 is scheduled for May 10 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, and as a pay-per-view event, many fans had expected Rogan to be part of the broadcast team. However, his absence is not entirely unexpected, as he has increasingly limited his commentary duties to domestic events.
Rogan was also missing from UFC 297, which took place in Toronto in January 2024. Over the years, he has cited extensive travel as a reason for reducing his international appearances at UFC events. This trend suggests that his decision to skip UFC 315 is consistent with his current broadcasting preferences.
Nevertheless, some speculate that Rogan’s stance may be influenced by political factors, particularly his support of U.S. President Donald Trump. The Biden administration recently imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, prompting a trade dispute between the two nations. Some believe Rogan’s remarks may reflect broader political tensions rather than just personal preference.
During the same podcast episode, Rogan addressed comments made by Trump regarding Canada. The former president had jokingly suggested that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state, referring to former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau.” Rogan recounted a conversation with Trump in which the latter quipped that “a lot of people are saying it’s a good idea.”
Rogan dismissed the idea of annexation, calling it “crazy” and unrealistic. Meanwhile, Trudeau’s successor, Mark Carney, announced a snap election, stating that Canada faces a significant political and economic crisis due to Trump’s trade policies. Carney emphasized concerns over potential threats to Canadian sovereignty.
As for UFC 315, the event is set to feature two championship bouts. The main event will see welterweight champion Belal Muhammad defend his title against Jack Della Maddalena, while the co-main event will showcase women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko against Manon Fiorot.
Rogan’s absence will not be the first time a UFC pay-per-view has gone forward without him. UFC President Dana White, a close associate of Trump, acknowledged Rogan’s contributions to the organization earlier this year at a rally celebrating Trump’s reelection victory. Despite Rogan’s decision to step away from international commentary, his influence on the sport remains significant.