A few weeks ago, Joe Rogan dropped the latest JRE MMA Show featuring Michael ‘Venom Page. Rogan was all praise for UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall while talking to the ex-Bellator star. But does that mean he will join in for commentary at UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane?

With just a few days to go until UFC 321, fans are already wondering who will represent the promotion’s commentary team for its 22nd visit to Abu Dhabi. This edition promises extra excitement, with the heavyweight title on the line as Tom Aspinall faces Ciryl Gane in the main event. Ultimately, every UFC card comes alive through its commentary, leaving fans eager to know whether podcast guru Joe Rogan will call the action for UFC 321.

Is Joe Rogan commentating at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi?

Back in April 2010, when the UFC debuted in Abu Dhabi with UFC 112: Invincible, fans witnessed a thrilling middleweight clash between Anderson Silva and Demian Maia. On that historic card, Joe Rogan’s commentary elevated the broadcast—serving as the perfect finishing touch to an already star-studded event. More than a decade later, however, Rogan no longer travels for international pay-per-view broadcasts.

Now 56, Joe Rogan had disclosed years ago that he decided to step back from overseas cards due to the demanding travel schedule. With expanding family commitments and major ventures such as his $200 million Joe Rogan Experience podcast and other business pursuits, maintaining the UFC’s global travel pace has become increasingly challenging. Just last week, the promotion hosted an event in Vancouver, and now it’s set to land in Abu Dhabi. As a result, Rogan will once again sit out an international card, with fresh voice expected to step in for UFC 321.

Who is replacing Joe Rogan at UFC 321? Laura Sanko’s PPV return

In Joe Rogan’s absence, former MMA fighter turned broadcaster Laura Sanko will take over commentary duties at UFC 321. Sanko’s journey in combat sports began inside the cage, but after just one professional fight, she realized her true calling was behind the microphone rather than under the bright lights of competition.

In 2021, she made history as the first female commentator to work under the Zuffa/Endeavor era, marking a groundbreaking moment for women in MMA broadcasting. Her rise through the UFC ranks started with DWCS 5, where she served as a reporter and interviewer—an opportunity that set the stage for her rapid climb within the promotion. By 2023, Sanko had reached another milestone, becoming the first woman to provide color commentary during a UFC Fight Night event.

Just nine months later, she broke yet another barrier, making her pay-per-view commentary debut at UFC 293, headlined by Sean Strickland vs. Israel Adesanya for the middleweight championship. Now, as she prepares for her second pay-per-view assignment at UFC 321, Sanko reflected on the importance of the moment in an interview with journalist Mike Bohn, saying, “I will always do my best and always do my homework, but [it’s] really the only time I get nervous anymore, because I realize how important it is to represent, to do a good job in those big spots. It will be great. It’s a group I’m very familiar with, and I know the flow will be good. I just gotta nail it as best I can.”

Complete UFC 321 Broadcast Team: Commentators, Analysts, and Interviewers

Laura Sanko will join forces with Jon Anik, who will lead the commentary team for UFC 321 Fight Night. Former two-division champion Daniel Cormier will complete the trio, providing expert insight alongside Anik for the October 25 event. On the desk, analysts Anthony Smith, Chael Sonnen, and Paul Felder are set to break down the action with in-depth analysis, while coordinating with roving reporters covering the Abu Dhabi card.

UFC commentator John Gooden will handle pre- and post-fight backstage interviews with the fighters. The UFC 321 main pay-per-view will begin at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+, while the preliminary card, starting at 11 p.m. ET, will air on ESPN+, Disney+, and FX. At the same time, Laura Sanko is preparing for her second pay-per-view assignment with the UFC, though it likely won’t be her last. With Joe Rogan entering his 60s in a few years, Sanko could step into the longtime commentator’s role if Rogan retires. It remains too early to predict, so fans should stay tuned for updates.