Joe Rogan, a commentator for the UFC, usually does not travel internationally for fight events, and this practice will extend to the upcoming event in Canada.
UFC 315 is scheduled for May 10 in Montreal. The main event will feature welterweight champion Belal Muhammad defending his title against Jack Della Maddalena. The co-main event includes 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 commented, “I won’t be there. I don’t go to Canada anymore. I don’t. I’d rather go to Russia.”
This decision isn`t entirely unexpected, as Rogan also missed UFC 297 in Toronto in January 2024. However, this is the first time Rogan has openly expressed his reluctance to travel to Canada.
Rogan previously explained that his decision to avoid international events was primarily due to the extensive travel and time away from his home.
While Canada is geographically closer to Rogan`s home in Austin compared to other international locations, he seems uninterested in traveling there, possibly due to the current political climate between the U.S. and Canada.
Recent tensions between the U.S. and Canada arose after former President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on goods from Canada and other countries, leading to trade disputes.
There was also a humorous suggestion that Trump might consider annexing Canada as the 51st state, which Rogan mentioned from a past conversation with the former president.
Rogan laughed off the idea of Canada joining the United States as “crazy.” He recounted a conversation with Trump where Trump joked about calling Justin Trudeau “Governor Trudeau” and mused about the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently resigned and was succeeded by Mark Carney, who has criticized Trump`s trade policies.
Carney stated that Trump`s trade actions and threats to Canadian sovereignty represent a significant crisis.
These tensions between the U.S. and Canada may be influencing Rogan`s decision to skip UFC 315.
Although Rogan will be absent, Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier are expected to commentate, and the UFC will find a replacement for Rogan for the May 10 event.
