Joe Rogan believes that Islam Makhachev’s record-breaking win on Saturday night was enough to make him greater than Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The legendary Russian has switched from fighting to coaching, and has taken on Makhachev as his protege since even before his retirement. Nurmagomedov is believed to be one of the greatest fighters of all time, but retired at the peak of his powers in 2020.
And Rogan now reckons that after defeating Renato Moicano and breaking the record for most lightweight title defences ever at UFC 311, Makhachev may have surpassed his coach.
- Who is Islam Makhachev? Step inside the life of the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet
Joe Rogan believes Islam Makhachev has now surpassed Khabib Nurmagomedov
On Saturday night, Islam Makhachev landed his fourth lightweight title defence, which saw him become the statistically most dominant champion in history. Khabib Nurmagomedov had only managed three before retiring on top, although it is believed he was essentially unbeatable at the time.
And Joe Rogan believes the champion may have the edge over his teacher. “He is just sensational,” Rogan said on the ESPN post-fight show.
“I mean, the kind of pressure that’s on a champion to come in and take a fight against an unheralded challenger, a guy who’s not supposed to win, a guy who’s very dangerous and has nothing to lose. Moicano was playing with house money.
“And to perform that way and just immediately sink up a submission on a Brazilian jiujitsu black belt to the ground [is incredible].”
When Jon Anik suggested that Makhachev has surpassed his legendary teammate, Rogan replied: “I think you’re right. When you look at his striking, that’s the thing that separates him.
“I mean, Khabib was just an unbelievable grounded pound machine and sufficient, but what Islam brings to the table is elite striking as well. I mean, his striking is as good as anybody in the sport.”
Islam Makhachev defeats Renato Moicano at UFC 311 to break lightweight title record
Heading into Saturday’s main event, Makhachev was forced to take on a brand new challenge when Arman Tsarukyan was forced out with a back injury. The pair were due to compete in a rematch for the belt, but Moicano stepped in on short notice.
Within minutes of the opening round, the champion got his opponent down after a back-and-forth on the feet which he decided had gone on long enough. He locked in a Darce choke as Moicano attempted to get back to his feet and got the tap to secure victory.
Now, it remains to be seen what is next for Makhachev. He took next to no damage in the few minutes of fighting, and is keen for a return to action quickly, albeit with a slightly shorter training camop.
- Who is Joe Rogan? Get to know the UFC mainstay and podcast sensation