Joe Rogan has officially bowed out of UFC 315, continuing his ongoing absence from international UFC events. This time, he is skipping the promotion’s return to Canada.
The card features a welterweight title bout between champion Belal Muhammad and rising contender Jack Della Maddalena, with Valentina Shevchenko defending her flyweight crown against Manon Fiorot in the co-main event.
Joe Rogan Explains His Refusal to Travel to Canada for UFC 315
The UFC’s longtime color commentator confirmed that he won’t be commentating at UFC 315, which takes place at the Bell Center in Montreal, Canada, on May 10.
Rogan’s absence from UFC 315 aligns with his policy of skipping international cards, which he previously attributed to excessive travel and his desire to stay close to home in Austin, Texas.
However, he would break his self-imposed travel ban for one fight: Alex Pereira vs. Dricus du Plessis.
During the UFC 305 Fight Companion podcast episode, Rogan said, “If Dricus goes up to 205 and fights Alex, oh my goodness, I’ll fly to the moon to commentate that fight. I want to see that fight. That’s crazy.”
While Pereira now fights at light heavyweight, which is the more naturally-fitting weight class for his size, the fight could happen in the future if du Plessis eyes a move up to 205 pounds.
However, it seems like international travel is not the only reason he wants to sit out of UFC 315.
“I won’t be there,” Rogan said during the UFC London Fight Companion podcast episode a few weeks ago. “I don’t go to Canada anymore. I’d rather go to Russia.”
Joe Rogan says he won’t be working UFC 315 in Montreal in May.
“Wow. I won’t be there. I don’t go to Canada anymore.” 😳🇨🇦pic.twitter.com/IXFdU6gbX6
— Made In Canada (@MadelnCanada) March 25, 2025
Rogan has previously been critical of Canada’s former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He clarified that he isn’t a fan of Trudeau’s successor, Mark Carney, either.
Dominick Cruz Officially Replaces Rogan for UFC 315 Broadcast
With Rogan sitting this one out, former UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz has been confirmed as the third man in the commentary booth. He will join veteran play-by-play announcer Jon Anik and UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier to call the action in Montreal.
IT'S #UFC315 FIGHT WEEK🤩
Two Title Fights this Saturday 🏆 🏆 pic.twitter.com/5BUV3zEVGO
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) May 5, 2025
This marks another high-profile assignment for Cruz, who has steadily built a second career as an analyst and commentator. Known for his detailed breakdowns and tactical insight, Cruz is expected to bring a sharp technical lens to one of the most anticipated cards of the year.
UFC officials confirmed the whole commentary team earlier this week and named Brendan Fitzgerald the on-site reporter for the night.
UFC 315 airs live on May 10, with the main card beginning at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ pay-per-view.