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Joe Rogan, one of the most influential voices in media today, turned down an opportunity to host former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on The Joe Rogan Experience, choosing instead to focus on the UFC fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway.
The decision highlights Rogan’s deep ties to the MMA world, where his commitment remains unwavering—even when presented with a high-profile political guest.
Over the years, Rogan has interviewed some of the biggest names in politics, offering a rare, long-form platform that allows guests to speak without the usual media constraints. His show has featured figures such as Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard, Matt Walsh, and Kyle Kulinski, attracting millions of listeners worldwide.
Rogan also made headlines when he endorsed Donald Trump for a second term in office. His support, coupled with an exclusive interview with Trump on his podcast, was seen as a significant moment for alternative media. Trump ultimately won reelection, defeating Harris in the process.
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Given Rogan’s openness to political discussions, there had been talks about Harris appearing on his show. However, a scheduling conflict prevented the interview from happening.
Why Rogan Passed on a Kamala Harris Interview
Harris’ team proposed an interview date that coincided with the UFC event featuring Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway—an event Rogan had already committed to covering.
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“They wanted to do it that Saturday, the day after Trump. I said I would, but only at 8:30 AM because I had a prior commitment—a live UFC podcast,” Rogan explained. “I had already flown in three of my friends(Eddie Bravo, Bryan Callen, and Brendan Schaub) from California for it. I couldn’t just cancel and say, ‘Sorry, guys, I have to interview Kamala Harris.’ I’m an MMA commentator; this is part of my job. That was Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway. For UFC fans, that was a huge fight… I’m not going to miss that.”
Joe Rogan couldn’t do the podcast with Kamala Harris because he refused to miss Max Holloway vs Ilia Topuria 😭
“For UFC fans, that was a HUGE fight… I’m not gonna miss that!”
🎥 @joerogan #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/YbXyb3Er49
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 5, 2025
Rogan’s decision underscores his prioritization of MMA over political discourse when faced with a direct conflict. It also raises the question of whether he would entertain the idea of interviewing Harris at a later date or if the opportunity has now passed entirely.
While Rogan remains one of the most sought-after interviewers in media today, his choice sends a clear message—his loyalty to UFC and the fight game is absolute, even when a Vice President comes calling.
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