Joe Rogan’s shock decision not to commentate Dustin Poirier’s UFC 318 retirement speculated on by ex-fighter

Josh Thomson suggests Joe Rogan could still attend UFC 318, but as a fan

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.

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.

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.

“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.

Joe Rogan will miss a domestic PPV for the first time in over three years

By not commentating at UFC 318, Rogan will be missing a United States-held PPV for the first time since 2022.

The 57-year-old, whose commentary has become increasingly criticized by portions of the MMA community, has not skipped a domestic numbered card since UFC 271, a Houston-held event headlined by Israel Adesanya’s rematch against Robert Whittaker.

Like UFC 318, that absence was largely unexplained, though it did come during a period of controversy for Rogan owing to past instances of offensive language on his podcast.