Joe Rogan
ON THE RECORD · 5 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“There is also a significant difference in the amount of taxing that it takes on Islam's body,”
Joe Rogan · said 2026-08-15 · reported 2026-08-17
Rogan noted the physical toll Makhachev faces grappling with larger welterweights.
“It was a difficult fight. Although he won by a good margin, a healthy margin, it was moments where you're used to Islam having a certain amount of control and dominance that he just didn't seem to have over the bigger guys. This is the question as he's moved up to 170. There's some guys like Morales that are absolutely gigantic.”
Joe Rogan · said 2026-08-15 · reported 2026-08-17
Rogan said Makhachev lacked his usual control and dominance against bigger opponents at 170 pounds.
“The tax that he has to pay to hold these bigger, stronger guys down. Look at what he did to Dustin Poirier, look at what he did to Charles Oliveira. Just crushes them when he gets on top of them. This is the difference between him at 155 and him at 170. I understand what he wants to do, but man, if I was in his corner, I'd be like, 'Maybe we (should go back down).'”
Joe Rogan · said 2026-08-15 · reported 2026-08-17
Rogan compared Makhachev's dominance over lightweights such as Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira with his performance at welterweight, suggesting he might return to 155.
“What happens if he fights those guys? The gap is bigger than it is with Ian Garry. Ian, out of the 10 victories he's had inside the octagon, has only had three stoppages. Morales kills everybody he touches. Carlos Prates is a murderer. He just puts it on you and knocks out guys with one shot. Ian is not that same guy. He's a strategic striker who's very technical, but he doesn't have nuclear power. Carlos Prates has nuclear power, Morales has nuclear power, and they're both massive guys.”
Joe Rogan · said 2026-08-15 · reported 2026-08-17
Rogan contrasted Ian Machado Garry's technical striking with the knockout power of contenders Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.
“He did what he had to do and was really tested in ways we haven't seen him tested before,”
Joe Rogan · said 2026-08-15 · reported 2026-08-17
Rogan commented on Islam Makhachev's first welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry after UFC 330.