Joe Rogan confirms decision to skip UFC 315 in Canada for 'political reasons'
The longtime UFC commentator and podcast host Joe Rogan will not be part of the broadcast team when the promotion returns to Canada on 10 May.
Joe, who had earlier stated his intention not to travel to Canada, will be replaced by former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. He will join Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier on commentary for the ESPN+ pay-per-view event in Montreal.
UFC officials confirmed the lineup on Thursday. Brendan Fitzgerald will serve as the on-site reporter.
Rogan had previously ruled out a trip to Canada, stating bluntly on a March episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, 'I won't be there. I don't go to Canada anymore. I'd rather go to Russia.'
His comments were seen as a jab at Canada's current political climate and his ongoing disdain for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Adding fuel to the fire, Rogan joked about a conversation with Donald Trump, saying the former U.S. president mused about annexing Canada. 'He goes, 'I started calling him Governor Trudeau just for fun… Maybe it is a good idea,'' Rogan claimed.
While Rogan's absence might disappoint fans, Cruz's addition brings in a seasoned voice.
The UFC 315 main event will see Belal Muhammad defend his welterweight title for the first time against Jack Della Maddalena, while Valentina Shevchenko puts her flyweight crown on the line against Manon Fiorot in the co-main.
The card kicks off at 10 p.m. ET exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
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