UFC 289 is just around the corner and fans will get to see their favorite stars compete inside the octagon. As the UFC returns to Canada, women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes will defend her title against Irene Aldana. In the co-main event, fan favorite Charles Oliveira will take on Beneil Dariush. As these household names of MMA take center stage in Vancouver, Canada, one familiar face will be missing from the group.

The commentary team for UFC 289 has been announced and it does not feature Joe Rogan. The longtime UFC commentator will not be a part of the upcoming UFC pay-per-view. Retired UFC star Paul Felder will step in to replace Rogan. UFC 289 will be the seventh UFC PPV of the year and Rogan has only commentated two so far in 2023.

Paul Felder to step in for Joe Rogan at UFC 289

Fans will not be seeing the celebrated commentary trio of Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Joe Rogan at UFC 289. Instead, they will get Anik, Cormier, and Felder. As usual, Anik will handle the play-by-play commentary on the mic with Cormier and Felder calling the action alongside him.

Joe Rogan’s UFC appearances have been growing sparse over the last few years. The 55-year-old has his plate full with his Spotify podcast and his comedy club. Therefore, Rogan has not been on the commentary desk for UFC events outside the US.

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His last appearance was at UFC 288 in May. Prior to that, he did commentary for UFC 285 in March in Las Vegas.

Broadcast plans for UFC 289

As we inch closer to UFC 289, the broadcast plans have almost been finalized. While Anik, Cormier, and Felder will take the commentary, Megan Olivi will handle the interviews before and after the fight. The longtime ESPN correspondent will also provide real-time additional updates for the event.

The legendary Bruce Buffer will suit up once again to get the fans on their feet as he takes over the ring announcer duties. While desk analysts are yet to be announced, former UFC star Din Thomas will serve as the coach-analyst.

UFC 289 has several high-stakes matchups with huge implications. The lightweight co-main event will decide Islam Makhachev’s next challenger who could potentially take him on in October in Abu Dhabi.

In the main event, ‘The Lioness’ can cement her legacy even further, or Aldana could shock the world and become the third undisputed Mexican champion on the current UFC roster.

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What are your predictions for UFC 289? Will you miss Rogan’s commentary? Let us know in the comments below.