Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

UFC 321 Broadcast Booth Set: Laura Sanko Replaces Joe Rogan for Abu Dhabi Card

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 8:00 PM ET

Abu Dhabi — The UFC has finalized its on-air team for UFC 321 on Saturday, October 25, with Laura Sanko stepping into the commentary booth while Joe Rogan sits out the international event. Sanko joins Jon Anik (play-by-play) and Daniel Cormier (color), with veteran broadcaster John Gooden serving as the in-arena reporter.

Joe Rogan replaced Laura Sanko at #UFC321 for Tom Aspinal vs Ciryl Gane! pic.twitter.com/QGl39UgsMa

— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) October 15, 2025

Why Sanko, Why Now

Rogan does not typically travel for international cards, opening the door for Sanko to make her second pay-per-view appearance since becoming a regular color analyst in 2023. She previously worked the booth at UFC 293 in Australia, where she became the first woman to provide color commentary on a modern UFC PPV.

Title Stakes in the Desert

The main event features Tom Aspinall defending his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at Etihad Arena. In the co-main, Virna Jandiroba meets Mackenzie Dern for the vacant strawweight title, following Zhang Weili’s move up to flyweight.

How to Watch (U.S. Times)

Prelims: 10:00 a.m. ET / 8:00 a.m. MT
Main Card (PPV): 2:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. MT

With an earlier start time tailored to Abu Dhabi, UFC 321 delivers a rare daytime slate for U.S. viewers and a historic booth look with Sanko back on pay-per-view.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: