Joe Rogan is opting out of UFC 315. On his UFC London Fight Companion podcast on March 22, 2025, the longtime UFC commentator confirmed he won’t head to Toronto for the May 17 welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. He’s stuck to this no-international-travel rule for years, and Canada’s no exception. He’d rather go to Russia instead, adding a quirky Donald Trump tale to the mix.
Rogan Says No to Canada
Rogan was blunt.
“I won’t be there,” he said on the podcast. “I don’t go to Canada anymore. I don’t. I’d rather go to Russia.”
UFC 315 hits Scotiabank Arena, marking the promotion’s first Toronto card since December 2018. Rogan’s called fights since 1997, but he’s passing on this one. His Russia line adds a twist.
🚨Joe Rogan says he will NOT be commentating for Belal Muhammad’s first title defence at UFC 315
“I will not be there, I don’t go to Canada any more, I don’t.”
(via JRE Podcast) pic.twitter.com/gj3ffTcvCq
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) March 24, 2025
Why He’s Skipping UFC 315
Rogan’s long avoided overseas UFC work. Back in 2019, on his podcast, he said international travel wears him out, cutting into his family time and JRE schedule. He sticks to U.S. pay-per-views now, skipping cards like UFC 297 in Toronto in January 2024. UFC 315 fits that pattern. He’s not quitting, just keeping it stateside. Russia’s a quip, not a real plan.
He missed UFC 289 in Vancouver on June 10, 2023 as well.
Rogan shared a laugh with a Trump story.
“That’s never going to happen,” he said about Canada joining the U.S. “That’s so crazy. Asked them to be the 51st state.” Then he added, “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!’”
This came from their October 2024 podcast, a 40-million-view hit.
UFC 315 Lineup
The event Rogan’s missing is stacked. Belal Muhammad, 22-3, defends his welterweight belt won from Leon Edwards in July 2024 at UFC 304. Jack Della Maddalena, 17-2, brings a 17-fight win streak after stopping Gilbert Burns in March 2025 at UFC 312. At 27, he’s climbing fast. Muhammad’s first defense makes this a must-watch.
Rogan’s exit tweaks UFC 315’s vibe. He’s a fixture, calling over 400 events. Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier will likely step up, but Rogan’s energy is unique. His podcast, with millions of listeners, keeps his choice loud. It won’t stop the fight, but it’s a talking point for fans.
