As the highly anticipated UFC 318 event approaches this Saturday, the broadcast team tasked with bringing the action to viewers has been confirmed. Notably, long-time UFC commentator Joe Rogan is not scheduled to be part of the broadcast booth for the event taking place in New Orleans.
This marks a relatively rare instance of Rogan sitting out a major UFC pay-per-view card held on United States soil. While the specific reasons for his absence were not disclosed, his usual position in the commentary lineup will be filled by former UFC lightweight and experienced analyst, Paul Felder.
Felder will join the familiar voices of play-by-play commentator Jon Anik and UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier to form the three-person commentary team calling the fights cage-side. Providing reports and insights from within the arena will be Heidi Androl.
The analyst desk, which previews the card and breaks down key matchups, will be hosted by Brendan Fitzgerald. He will be joined by a panel of seasoned MMA minds, including Louisiana`s own Alan Jouban, recently retired light heavyweight veteran Anthony Smith, and the always candid Chael Sonnen.
This assembled team will be on duty to cover a significant night of fights headlined by a compelling trilogy bout between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway. The main event holds particular weight as Poirier, fighting in his home state, has strongly indicated this could be the final professional fight of his decorated career. He aims for a victory to cap off his journey, while Holloway seeks to settle the score and play spoiler in Poirier`s backyard.
Beyond the main event, the UFC 318 card features other intriguing contests, such as Paulo Costa`s return to action against Roman Kopylov in the co-main slot, and former Bellator champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire making his second appearance under the UFC banner against Dan Ige.
UFC 318 airs live on ESPN+ pay-per-view, with the main card broadcast expected to commence at 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
