For the second straight pay-per-view event in a row, Joe Rogan won’t be present in the broadcast booth at cageside. As sources told ‘MMA Junkie’, the long-time UFC analyst had a schedule conflict with his annual hunting trip, therefore preventing him from fulfilling his supposed role at UFC 266 on Saturday.
Rogan also skipped his commentary duties at UFC 265 last month because of a similar reason. At the time, it was because he was set to travel to Wisconsin for a comedy tour.
Stepping in his stead is retired UFC lightweight contender Paul Felder, who’s so far done a splendid job since he got on board in 2017. Joining him is the usual cast, consisting of play-by-play man Jon Anik and former double-champ Daniel Cormier.
Holding court at the analyst desk is former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez and the one and only “West Linn Gangster” Chael Sonnen. UFC correspondent Megan Olivi will be the roving reporter tasked to conduct pre-fight and post-fight interviews backstage.
UFC 266 features two title fights: flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko will defend her title against Lauren Murphy at the co-main event, while featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will take on Brian Ortega at the top of the bill.
Also on the card is a rematch between Nick Diaz and Robbie Lawler, which has reportedly been bumped from welterweight to middleweight.
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