Joe Rogan stuns UFC fans by declaring he’d “rather go to Russia” than attend the upcoming UFC 315 in Canada, highlighting deepening tensions between UFC personalities and what they perceive as Canada’s excessive political correctness.
Quick Takes
- Joe Rogan announced he won’t attend UFC 315 in Montreal on May 10, stating he’d “rather go to Russia” than travel to Canada.
- Rogan’s boycott stems from disagreements with Canadian politics, particularly the government’s handling of the Freedom Convoy protests.
- UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland recently had a heated confrontation with a Canadian journalist, further exposing UFC-Canada tensions.
- The Canadian government froze approximately $7.8 million in assets from about 200 accounts linked to the Freedom Convoy protests.
- UFC 315 will proceed without Rogan, featuring championship bouts between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, and between Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot.
Rogan’s Surprising Russia Preference
Popular UFC commentator and podcast host Joe Rogan has declared he will not attend the upcoming UFC 315 event in Montreal, Canada, making the startling statement that he’d “rather go to Russia” during his UFC London Fight Companion podcast. Rogan’s absence from the May 10 event at the Bell Centre continues his pattern of skipping international UFC events, but his specific mention of Russia as a preferred alternative location has raised eyebrows among fans and commentators alike. This decision comes amid growing tensions between UFC personalities and what they perceive as Canada’s increasingly progressive political climate.
His comments reflect a growing frustration with Canadian politics while maintaining that he has no issues with Canadian citizens themselves. Rogan’s criticism specifically targets what he views as excessive government overreach during the pandemic, particularly regarding the handling of the Freedom Convoy protests against vaccine mandates. The controversial commentator has consistently avoided international UFC events in recent years, but his explicit rejection of Canada marks a notable escalation.
Joe Rogan refuses to commentate UFC 315 in Canada: ‘I’d rather go to Russia’ https://t.co/rWSrxn55Ql
— LowKickMMA.com (@LowKick_MMA) March 24, 2025
Growing UFC-Canada Tensions
Rogan’s comments come on the heels of UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland’s heated confrontation with a Canadian journalist earlier this year. During a pre-fight press conference, Strickland launched into a scathing critique of both the reporter and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The confrontation quickly went viral as Strickland condemned the government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act during the Freedom Convoy protests. These tensions highlight a growing cultural disconnect between the UFC’s more libertarian-leaning personalities and Canada’s political direction.
The Canadian government’s response to the Freedom Convoy protests has become a particular point of contention. During the demonstrations, authorities froze approximately $7.8 million in assets from around 200 accounts linked to the protests. This action has been repeatedly cited by both Rogan and Strickland as evidence of government overreach. While UFC president Dana White has not directly commented on these specific political tensions, the organization continues to schedule events in Canada despite the controversies surrounding some of its most prominent personalities.
International Relations and UFC’s Future in Canada
Rogan’s comments extend beyond UFC matters into broader international relations, mentioning a conversation he had with President Donald Trump about Canada. “That’s so crazy, he asked them to be the 51st state. I had a conversation with Trump about it,” Rogan remarked during his podcast. These statements come amid reports of increasing trade tensions between the United States and Canada, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau, reportedly calling for a snap general election due to concerns about American trade actions.
Despite the controversies, UFC 315 will proceed as scheduled on May 10 at Montreal’s Bell Centre. The event features two championship bouts: a welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, and a women’s flyweight championship matchup between Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot. While Rogan’s absence will be noted by fans, it follows his established pattern of skipping international events. The organization has not indicated any plans to reduce its Canadian presence, suggesting that while individual personalities may have their reservations, the UFC’s business relationship with Canada remains intact for now.
Sources:
- Joe Rogan Tears Into Canada: ‘Rather Go to Russia’
- Joe Rogan skipping UFC 315 in Canada: ‘I’d rather go to Russia’
- Joe Rogan Won’t Call UFC 315 in Canada: ‘I’d Rather Go to Russia’
