UFC commentator Joe Rogan appears willing to break his long-standing rule of not traveling internationally for events. He will make this exception to commentate on what could be one of the most anticipated matchups in recent UFC history.
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping recently disclosed that Rogan would make a rare exception to his U.S.-only commentary policy for a potential superfight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev if it takes place in Spain.
On his podcast, Bisping stated: “Joe Rogan said if that fight happens in Spain at the Bernabéu Stadium, Joe Rogan would go to Spain to commentate on that one. I was like, you bastard, I might get that one — but no, it will be Joe Rogan, and that would be a fight to travel for.”
Joe Rogan has, for a long time, firmly maintained his position of only working UFC events within the United States in recent years. He was notably absent from recent major international cards, including UFC 312 in Australia and UFC 315 in Canada.
Bernabeu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, could potentially host around 80,000 fans for such an event. Ilia Topuria is the current UFC lightweight champion and has been pushing for a major event in Spain following his impressive first-round KO of Charles Oliveira to claim the lightweight title.
While fans are excited by the prospect, UFC CEO Dana White has tempered expectations, stating there are currently no concrete plans for a Spanish event. Local reports also suggest the Bernabeu Stadium may have contractual limitations restricting non-football events in the near future.
Nevertheless, the mere possibility of this matchup has apparently captured Rogan’s imagination enough for him to consider making an exception to his travel rule. If the UFC does head to Spain for this dream matchup, one of the sport’s most recognizable voices will be making the journey as well.
