Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is back in Louisiana this week, where one of the state’s all-time best fighters will bring their career to a close in the main event of UFC 318. After an MMA tenure spanning close to two decades, Dustin Poirier will retire against Max Holloway, as ‘The Diamond’ makes his farewell in competition for his former two-time opponent’s symbolic BMF title close to his home in Lafayette.
As UFC 318 fast approaches on Saturday, the broadcast team is set-and Joe Rogan won’t be calling Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight against Max Holloway. This means that Rogan will not call Dustin Poirier’s final fight as ‘The Diamond’ makes the walk for the last time in front of his home fans in Louisiana.
In a rare instance with a UFC pay-per-view happening in the United States, Rogan is sitting out the broadcast. UFC 318 is set to take place this Saturday in New Orleans where the long-time voice of the promotion won’t be in attendance. It was announced ahead of fight week that Joe Rogan wouldn’t be on commentary duty for July 19, with Paul Felder taking his place on the broadcast.
There’s no word on why Rogan is missing the show, but he is replaced by retired UFC lightweight Paul Felder, who now serves as the third man in the broadcast booth for the card taking place at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Jon Anik handles play-by-play duties as usual with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier providing color commentary alongside Felder for the event. Heidi Androl is on hand for in-arena reporting.
As far as analysts for the card, Brendan Fitzgerald serves as the host for the evening and is joined by Louisiana native Alan Jouban, recently retired light heavyweight veteran Anthony Smith, and Chael Sonnen. UFC officials confirmed broadcast details to MMA Fighting on Monday.
Read also: UFC 318: Examining Joe Rogan's Absence
Speculation and Theories Surrounding Rogan's Absence
But when Poirier makes the walk for the last time at New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center, he will do so without the presence of a familiar voice on commentary. It was revealed by MMA Junkie early in UFC 318 fight week that Rogan won’t join Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier on commentary for the July 19 numbered event.
While the renowned podcast host’s schedule has lightened across the past decade, with the longtime color commentator avoiding overseas trips, he has remained a mainstay cageside for domestic PPVs. While it’s not uncommon for him to miss PPV events due to his decision to not travel for international events, it has been some time since he wasn’t present at a numbered US event.
The lack of any conflicting tour dates has led to much speculation about Rogan’s absence, and one former fighter shared an interesting theory on X. Josh Thomson suggests Joe Rogan could still attend UFC 318, but as a fan.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Joe is there to watch Dustin fight one last time with his boy Theo (Von),” ex-Strikeforce champion Josh Thomson wrote. “Actually enjoy watching one of the greatest fighters ever wrap up his career with his friends.”
Von recently attended UFC 317 from fight one, as he continues to gain a reputation for being one of the most MMA-crazed celebrities. Coming from Louisiana himself, the 45-year-old will likely be close by to see his friend bid farewell to the Octagon this Saturday.
Read also: UFC 319 Breakdown by Rogan
The Real Reason: A Family Vacation
Fans couldn’t put their fingers on why Joe Rogan would be absent from UFC 318 having not missed a US PPV in several years despite cutting back on his UFC schedule. The stand-up comedian didn’t appear to have a conflicting schedule in terms of his work away from being a commentator, but it looks like he had other plans that got in the way.
Several days ago, photos were taken of Rogan and his family enjoying a vacation from the comfort of a luxury megayacht. Travelling aboard the Okto, which comes with a stunning weekly rental price of around $600,000, Rogan and his family have been seen near several places around Europe, including Venice, Italy and Croatia’s Brač island.
UFC 318: Poirier's Farewell
Saturday’s event serves as the final appearance for Poirier following a legendary career as he plans to retire after his trilogy with Holloway on Saturday.
But Rogan will be making a rare exception, which has come as a surprise to many given it means he won’t be commentating on Poirier’s final farewell opposite a fellow legend in Holloway.
Read also: Rogan's Rise to Fame