Joe Rogan Refuses To Enter Canada Over What He Calls A ‘Terrible’ Government
Joe Rogan is making headlines again — this time for refusing to attend UFC 315 in Montreal, citing his deep distrust of the Canadian government and calling the current climate north of the border too authoritarian.
The popular UFC commentator and podcast host said on his show that he won’t be making the trip for the May event. “I don’t go to Canada anymore,” Rogan said. “I’d rather go to Russia.”
Joe Rogan: “I don’t go to Canada anymore. I’d rather go to Russia.”pic.twitter.com/JJAzTCDZKo
— Department of Government Efficiency News (@DOGE__news) March 24, 2025
While the comment drew laughs on air, the sentiment behind it was serious. Rogan has been highly critical of Canada’s handling of free speech and civil liberties, especially during the trucker protests against vaccine mandates. His refusal to step foot in Canada sends a loud signal about how concerned he remains about the country’s direction.
Rogan made clear that his issue is with the government, not the people. He praised Canadians but called their leadership “terrible.” His comments come amid renewed tensions between President Donald Trump and Canadian leadership, including ongoing trade battles and fiery public exchanges.
Joe Rogan tells Canada to get their shit together and to come back to what we used to be!
He also says Pierre Poilievre makes sense. I'll take that as an endorsement!🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/YUHmnCWiZV
— Joe Anidjar (@PuckDaddy93) March 25, 2025
The standoff between Trump and Canadian leaders escalated after Trump proposed making Canada the 51st state. Trudeau’s successor, Mark Carney, pushed back hard, accusing Trump of trying to “own” Canada and threatening its sovereignty.
Rogan, who hosted Trump on his show shortly before the 2024 election, has not supported Trump’s 51st state proposal but has slammed Canada’s increasing authoritarian behavior. He pointed to what he calls extreme levels of “wokeness” and government overreach, especially in response to political dissent.
Canada’s actions during the trucker strike in 2022 left a lasting impact on Rogan, who saw the crackdown as a turning point. Since then, he has taken a firm stand against returning, even for professional events like UFC 315.
The upcoming UFC card in Montreal is set to feature major title fights, including Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena and Valentina Shevchenko vs. Manon Fiorot. But Rogan’s absence will be a noticeable one for fans tuning in.