Joe Rogan will not be commentating at UFC 308 this weekend.
MMA’s premier promotion will return to Abu Dhabi on Saturday night for a stacked night of fights headlined by a featherweight title clash between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway.
Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker will look to earn himself another title shot when he takes on 14-0 superstar Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC 308 co-main event.
The eagerly anticipated 12-fight card is now completely set after it was announced who will be in the commentary booth at the Etihad Arena.
- Who is Joe Rogan? Get to know the UFC mainstay and podcast sensation
Joe Rogan is set to sit out UFC 308
Joe Rogan has been calling UFC fights since 1997 and if Dana White had his way the popular podcaster would be working on every single one of his cards.
Over the past few years, the UFC’s go-to commentary team for big events has seen Rogan partner up with former dual-weight champion Daniel Cormier and play-by-play guy Jon Anik.
However, Rogan doesn’t travel abroad and only works UFC pay-per-view shows in North America.
So, he’s often replaced by UFC legends Michael Bisping and Dominick Cruz – but this time retired lightweight contender Paul Felder is set to fill the open spot.
‘The Irish Dragon’ will work alongside Cormier and Anik this weekend.
Veteran UFC commentator John Gooden is set to serve as the roaming reporter handling backstage interviews and other segments during the UFC 308 broadcast.
Fortunately for fans who like hearing his thoughts, the 57-year-old typically streams his live reaction to UFC shows he can’t be at in ‘Fight Companion’ podcasts.
It’s not been officially announced, but Rogan is expected to do a watch-along with a few of his pals for UFC 308.
Joe Rogan reveals when he’ll stop commentating on UFC fights
Rogan is an avid MMA fan who initially worked for the UFC for free.
Despite acquiring a net worth of around $200 million, he continues to do commentary as a side gig when he’s not hosting his uber-successful ‘Joe Rogan Experience’ podcast.
It seems he has a job for life if he wants it – but Rogan previously revealed there’s a clause in his contract that will see him walk away from the company if the UFC boss ever leaves.
“I’m a professional fan,” Rogan said on an episode of his podcast. Experience.
He added: “If Dana [White] leaves, I’m gone. That’s in my contract.”
Thankfully, White seems set to stay for a while longer. The 55-year-old was recently promoted to CEO after the UFC merged with the WWE in a $21billion deal that saw the two sporting powerhouses combine to create a new entity called TKO Group Holdings Inc.
With White’s position seemingly secure, UFC fans can look forward to seeing Rogan at North American PPV events for the foreseeable future.