Joe Rogan, the voice millions of fight fans have come to know and love, has decided to skip UFC 315 in Montreal, Canada — not because he’s sick, busy, or bored with the sport.
It’s because of politics.
“I’d rather be in Russia than Canada right now,” Rogan said recently on his podcast.
“I don’t go to Canada anymore. I’d rather go to Russia.” — Joe Rogan pic.twitter.com/FjHcPlHFPY
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) March 24, 2025
That’s a jaw-dropper, especially coming from someone known for being pretty open-minded and curious about all sides.
Rogan’s not mad at the UFC. He’s upset with the Canadian government.
He’s been vocal for years about how he feels Canada went too far during the COVID pandemic.
From vaccine mandates to lockdowns, Rogan says the government took away basic freedoms from its people — and he’s not alone.
During the pandemic, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau put strict rules in place.
People had to show vaccine passports just to eat at a restaurant or go to the gym. Truckers who protested these rules got their bank accounts frozen.
Many saw it as government overreach — including Rogan.
Rogan isn’t a politician. He’s not running for office.
He’s just a guy with a microphone who’s willing to speak his mind — something that used to be considered normal, not controversial.
His decision to stay out of Canada sends a message: even public figures are drawing the line when governments start acting like parents instead of public servants.
That’s something a lot of Americans — especially conservatives — have been saying for years.
A 2023 poll by Leger, a Canadian research firm, found that 45% of Canadians felt their government “went too far” during the pandemic.
In the U.S., a Pew Research survey showed that 60% of Republicans believe the government restricted personal freedoms unnecessarily during COVID.
And it’s not just about COVID anymore. People are starting to ask bigger questions:
Should the government decide what you put in your body?
Can peaceful protesters lose their savings for speaking out?
Where does personal freedom end and government power begin?
Some folks online say Rogan is making a mountain out of a molehill. They argue Canada had to act fast to protect public health.
Others say Rogan is using his platform to stir up outrage. They also argue Rogan has no real expertise on the matter, and maybe shouldn’t be weighing in.
Rogan isn’t an expert. But that might be exactly the point. He’s a regular person with strong opinions, just like millions of Americans.
Sometimes regular people ask the questions that so-called “experts” won’t.
Whether you agree with him or not, Rogan is putting his money where his mouth is.
And that’s something we don’t see much these days — especially from celebrities.
This also shows how culture and politics are more connected than ever. What used to be just a sports event is now a spotlight on bigger issues like freedom, government power, and personal responsibility.
Joe Rogan is proof that more and more people are starting to push back when governments overstep.
His choice to skip UFC 315 isn’t about left or right. It’s about freedom vs. control.
And for those of us who believe government should work for the people — not over them — it’s nice to see a celebrity use their platform to stand up for what they believe in.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
