Yardbarker
x
Joe Rogan replaced by popular female commentator at UFC 321 for Tom Aspinall title defence
Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images

Joe Rogan will leave the commentary desk to Laura Sanko later this month as he once again avoids travelling internationally.

The beloved voice of the octagon covers all US-based UFC pay-per-views, but won’t be on hand as Tom Aspinall defends his undisputed heavyweight title for the first time against Ciryl Gane. Rogan is one of the most famous podcasters in the world, and infamously doesn’t travel abroad for international events.

In his place will be former Invicta fighter Sanko, who has been a member of the broadcast team for the UFC over the past few years. Alongside her will be two-weight world champion Daniel Cormier and play-by-play veteran Jon Anik.

Joe Rogan replaced by Laura Sanko at UFC 321

Generally for UFC’s international events, Dominick Cruz or Michael Bisping will take over for Rogan, with the Brit believed to be a surefire pick for his fellow Englishman’s title fight. However, speaking on Mike Bohn’s podcast the Bohnfire, Laura Sanko revealed the news she would be on the call for UFC 321.

“I’m calling Abu Dhabi next, I’ve got a pay-per-view coming up,” Sanko told Bohn during a chat following this week’s Contender Series. “It’s just a different version of hard, the digging in, the tape on these guys is the hardest part.

“Then formulating a story that you can tell very quickly to get people to understand who they are in a short amount of time is tricky. A pay-per-view is just a lot, and speaking totally vulnerable here, I’m well aware that I had the one pay-per-view two years ago where I was really happy with how it went.

“The reception was good but I know that every time I do a pay-per-view there’s a whole audience that isn’t used to hearing me. They only watch pay-per-views so there’s a lot of pressure to do it right and do my best.

“I will always do my best and always do my homework but it’s the only time I get nervous any more. I just realized how important it is to represent and do a good job in these big spots. We did Mexico City together; Anik, DC and I.

“It’s a group I’m very familiar with and I know the flow will be good, I just have got to nail it.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!