SUMMARY
- Alexander Volkanovski will be fighting against Ilia Topuria at UFC 298.
- Previously, Joe Rogan missed UFC 297 on the commentary desk.
It’s finally time for another UFC PPV event, and fans cannot wait for fight week proceedings to begin. Amidst all of the talking points, there is always one regarding the commentary team for the event. With that said, commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan is not too excited for UFC 298.
Recently, the commentary team for UFC 298 was revealed. Live out of the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, on February 17, there is a lot to look forward to. For one, we have Alexander Volaknovski taking on the surging superstar Ilia Topuria. Not only that but also former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker taking on Paulo Costa in the co-main event of the evening.
🎙️#UFC298 COMMENTARY TEAM🎙️
Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, Michael Bisping
[first rep. @MMAFighting]#UFC298 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/oydOTqlcpw
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) February 9, 2024
Ahead of fight week, the commentary team for the event has also been revealed. For one, Joe Rogan will be making his return to the booth, after his absence in Canada for UFC 297. Additionally, former UFC middleweight champ Michael Bisping will be stepping in to replace Daniel Cormier. Lastly, mainstay Jon Anik will be present, dispelling any and all rumors of a potential retirement.
When did Joe Rogan last commentate on a UFC event?
For the most part, the notable addition to the team alongside Michael Bisping is Joe Rogan. Having missed UFC 297, there were questions, for more reasons than one, as to whether Rogan would be on call for this one. Previously, Joe has been an absentee who many fans wish to see on the commentary desk.
Over the years, the 56-year-old has been a part of some of the most iconic moments in UFC history. Owing to his analysis, commentary, and ecstatic reactions, he has garnered a soft spot in the hearts of many fans. With that said, following contract negotiations in 2016, Rogan had it in his contract that he would not be a part of events that took place overseas.
Being a renowned podcaster and having a career as a stand-up comedian, Joe has an incredibly busy routine. Thus, the special inclusion in his contract allows him to manage things a little easier. For the most part, UFC 298 will mark Joe’s return to the commentary desk after missing UFC 297, UFC 294, and UFC 293 before that. However, it is expected that Rogan will be on call for the next three UFC PPV events this year, including UFC 300.
Joe Rogan’s thoughts on “Communist sh*thole” California
As mentioned previously, there are more reasons than one as to why one may have thought that Joe Rogan would be absent for this one. Despite the event being held in the USA, some fans may be wondering as to what would keep Rogan from being in attendance. The answer to that question would be Joe Rogan himself, owing to his deep dislike for California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Speaking in a recent episode of his podcast, Joe revealed to Aaron Rodgers why he was reluctant to go to California. “I mean, it’s one of the rare times I go back to that communist sh*t hole commonly known as California. That f*cking place is so cr*zy, you know. You can’t get these. I had a friend of mine, my friend Mosha, was here the other day, and he’s like, “Oh, you have flavored nicotine? Imagine, you can’t get flavored nicotine!”
Notably, Rogan used to reside in California before hopping over to Austin, Texas. Additionally, the podcaster was not pleased with California’s policy to ban internal combustion engines by 2035. Now a proud Texas resident, Joe praised the State for supplying the majority of the USA’s gas. Although some are calling for Texas to be its own country, Rogan is not supportive of the idea.