Did Joe Rogan say he’d rather visit Russia than Canada? Viral post explored

Joe Rogan, the popular UFC commentator and host of The Joe Rogan Experience, recently ignited backlash after saying that he’d “rather go to Russia” than Canada and that he no longer visits the country.

The comments, which came during an episode of his podcast on March 22, 2025, spread quickly on social media, sparking speculations about his political views and frayed relationship with Canada.

During a JRE Fight Companion episode, Rogan’s producer said that UFC 315 was scheduled for May in Montreal. Rogan was quick to respond to the statement by saying:

"I won’t be there. I don’t go to Canada anymore, I don’t. I’d rather go to Russia,"

He chuckled after the remark, but there was no obvious sign that he was joking. His guest, comedian Brendan Schaub, replied, “Nor should you... discipline ‘em,” Early in the episode, Rogan complimented the Canadians while slamming their government.

"I think it's stupid that we hate France. I don't get it. I think it's stupid that we hate Canada, too. I don't get that either. They have a terrible government but Canadian people are awesome."

Rogan’s dislike for Canadian leadership isn’t new. He has repeatedly condemned the country’s policies, especially its handling of COVID-19 mandates and the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests, which he described at the time as “full on communist bulls**t.” Rogan additionally missed UFC 297, which happened in Toronto in January 2024, showcasing his trend of avoiding matches in Canada.

A look into Joe Rogan’s career, from acting to hosting the world’s top podcast

Joe Rogan started out as a stand-up comic in the late ’80s and stepped into the world of acting, with parts in sitcoms like Hardball and NewsRadio (1995–1999). According to Newsweek, during his work in NewsRadio, the tragic killing of co-star Phil Hartman had a huge impact on him.

He joined the UFC in 1997 as a backstage interviewer, later serving as a commentator, a position he still holds, although he shows up less frequently nowadays. He gained stardom thanks to his work as a host of Fear Factor (2001–2006, 2011).

Rogan’s most significant breakthrough was The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), which started in 2009. Originally a podcast alongside the comedian Brian Redban, it developed into a cultural phenomenon that has included guests as diverse as Elon Musk, Bernie Sanders, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

In 2020, Spotify signed a landmark $200 million deal to secure exclusive rights to JRE, establishing Joe Rogan as the highest-paid podcaster by far.