UFC fans tuning in to the highly anticipated Joe Rogan UFC 315 pay-per-view might notice something different about the commentary booth. Joe Rogan, the longtime voice of UFC events, won’t be calling the action this time. Instead, former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz is stepping in to take his place on the broadcast team.
While Rogan has been a consistent figure for major UFC fights, he’s become increasingly selective about which events he attends, especially when it involves traveling outside the United States. And yes, that includes Canada, even though it’s just next door.
“I Don’t Go to Canada Anymore,” Says Rogan
Joe Rogan UFC 315 has become a trending topic because fans were curious about his absence. Over the past few years, he’s made it clear that he prefers to stay stateside for his UFC duties. This weekend’s event is taking place in Montreal, which, although part of North America, is still a non-U.S. location — and that’s apparently enough reason for Rogan to bow out.
The real buzz came from Rogan’s comment during his Fight Companion podcast back in March. While chatting with Brendan Schaub, Eddie Bravo, and Gordon Ryan, Rogan made it very clear: “I will not be there, I don’t go to Canada anymore, I don’t.”
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When Schaub jokingly agreed, Rogan added that he’d “rather go to Russia,” sparking laughs from the room. He also joked about calling former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “Governor Trudeau,” clearly poking fun at Canadian politics in his usual comedic style.
Joe Rogan’s UFC 315 remarks quickly went viral, fueling speculation about whether he’d return for future international events. While his humor is often tongue-in-cheek, there’s no question that Rogan values his personal comfort when picking his UFC gigs.
Dominick Cruz Joins the Broadcast Team for UFC 315
With Joe Rogan, UFC 315 off the table, the UFC brought in Dominick Cruz, a former two-time bantamweight champion and well-respected analyst. Cruz has proven himself as a strong commentator in the past, often rotating with other retired fighters like Michael Bisping and Paul Felder when needed.
This time, Cruz will join play-by-play commentator Jon Anik and former double champion Daniel Cormier. The team will guide fans through the UFC 315 card, which is headlined by Belal Muhammad defending his welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena. Brendan Fitzgerald will also be reporting live from Montreal to complete the broadcast team.
On the Jaxxon Podcast, Bisping explained how the UFC’s “A-team” typically includes Joe Rogan, UFC 315 staple Jon Anik, and Daniel Cormier. When any of them step aside, the UFC rotates in members of what he jokingly calls the “B-team,” including himself, Cruz, and Felder.
Still, even without Joe Rogan’s commentary, fans can expect a top-tier broadcast. Cruz brings sharp fight IQ, precise analysis, and a professional tone that has earned him plenty of respect.
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