Joe Rogan is opting out of UFC 315 in Montreal, pointing to what he called the poor state of Canada’s leadership as his reason for staying away. The popular commentator and podcast host made the announcement during a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
Rogan, a mainstay at UFC events, said simply that he “won’t be there” and stated that he doesn’t travel to Canada anymore. He followed up with a pointed remark: “I’d rather go to Russia.”
Joe Rogan: “I don’t go to Canada anymore. I’d rather go to Russia.”pic.twitter.com/JJAzTCDZKo
— Department of Government Efficiency News (@DOGE__news) March 24, 2025
While the statement stirred reactions online, the sentiment behind it wasn’t just offhanded. Rogan has grown increasingly critical of Canada’s political direction, especially in light of the Trudeau government’s crackdowns during the trucker demonstrations and its broader embrace of sweeping mandates during the pandemic.
Joe Rogan tells Canada to get their shit together and to come back to what we used to be!
He also says Pierre Poilievre makes sense. I'll take that as an endorsement!🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/YUHmnCWiZV
— Joe Anidjar (@PuckDaddy93) March 25, 2025
Despite his frustration with the government, Rogan separated his criticism from the Canadian public, whom he praised as “awesome.” He emphasized that his issue is with leadership, not the people.
Tensions between the U.S. and Canada have escalated in recent months, with President Donald Trump’s trade policies adding to the strain. Trump has suggested Canada could be made the 51st state, and Canadian leaders have pushed back hard on that idea.
Rogan, who hosted Trump on his podcast shortly before the 2024 election, has since been seen as one of the more influential cultural voices in support of the president. His refusal to attend an event in Canada is being interpreted by many as a political statement.
UFC 315 will still feature major title fights, including Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena and Valentina Shevchenko vs. Manon Fiorot. But the absence of one of the sport’s most well-known voices won’t go unnoticed.
