Joe Rogan refuses to attend UFC 315 in Canada over political views

In early 2024, prominent podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan made headlines after announcing he would skip the UFC 315 event scheduled for May 10 in Montreal, Canada. This statement came during an episode of his podcast, where he expressed his discontent with the Canadian government's policies, describing them as 'terrible' while still praising the Canadian people. Rogan's absence isn't entirely surprising, as he also skipped UFC 297 in Toronto earlier in the year. His decision is believed to be influenced by his support for U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, which has been involved in a trade war with Canada, including the implementation of a 25% tariff on goods. This political climate has led Rogan to refuse participation in international UFC events, stating he would 'rather go to Russia' than attend an event in Canada. Over the years, Rogan has become increasingly vocal about his views on topics such as free speech and government overreach, arguing that Canada's actions could resemble authoritarian tendencies. He mentioned the Canadian government's seizure of bank accounts of donors to trucker protests against COVID-19 mandates as a significant contributing factor to his decision. Rogan's statements have garnered mixed reactions, with some supporting his stance while others criticize it as political grandstanding. As UFC 315 approaches, the absence of Rogan—who is a staple of UFC commentary—will likely impact viewership expectations and the overall atmosphere of the event. The fight card includes two title matches, adding to the anticipation for fans, but the absence of Rogan's familiar voice will undoubtedly leave a noticeable gap in the broadcast.