Joe Rogan Settles Islam Makhachev vs Khabib Nurmagomedov Legacy Debate: “On Another Level”

UFC commentator and popular podcaster Joe Rogan talks about the traits shown by Islam Makhachev which Khabib Nurmagomedov failed to show.

Joe Rogan Settles Islam Makhachev vs Khabib Nurmagomedov Legacy Debate: “On Another Level”

Joe Rogan compares Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev (via MSN, NBC)

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Khabib Nurmagomedov remains one of the most dominant figures in UFC history, retiring undefeated as lightweight champion and securing his place as a true legend of the sport. Islam Makhachev followed that exact blueprint from Dagestan and elevated it further by becoming a two-division UFC champion. UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently compared their overall prowess while assessing their careers.

Nurmagomedov debuted in the UFC in 2012 and quickly established himself as a force in the lightweight division. He earned notable victories over top contenders such as Rafael Dos Anjos and Edson Barboza during his rise. In 2018, he captured the UFC lightweight title and defended it against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. The ‘Eagle’ finally retired undefeated in 2020 after his father’s passing.

Makhachev’s rise accelerated when he defeated Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight title at UFC 280 in 2022. He successfully defended the belt against Alexander Volkanovski twice and later Dustin Poirier. After dominating the division, Makhachev moved up to welterweight and defeated Jack Della Maddalena to claim a second UFC championship. His achievements set the stage for Rogan’s recent comparison.

Khabib is, without a doubt, one of the all-time greats. But the difference between Khabib and Islam is Islam is elite, standup-wise. Khabib has really good standup, but Islam knocked out Volkanovski with a head kick – that’s not in Khabib’s repertoire. Islam is on another level.

Joe Rogan via PowerfulJRE

Widely viewed as Nurmagomedov’s successor, Makhachev emerged from the same camp and carried similar competitive values. Figures within the MMA community, including UFC veteran Chael Sonnen, have noted that Makhachev reached milestones the ‘Eagle’ never pursued. Analysts have also highlighted his striking development as a key separator. Those factors aligned with Rogan’s comparison of the two fighters.

Islam is one more level above. He can knock you out standing, knock you out on the ground, he could submit you. You’re always thinking about that grappling when you’re striking. So when you say, like, who’s a better striker, Islam or JDM, well, it depends because if you’ve got to worry about that takedown, your striking is not going to be the same.

Joe Rogan via PowerfulJRE

Rogan has consistently voiced respect for both Nurmagomedov and Makhachev throughout their UFC careers. He has highlighted Nurmagomedov’s lasting influence on young fighters and grappling-heavy styles. Rogan has also described Makhachev as one of the most complete mixed martial artists competing today. His analysis has focused on skill range rather than era-based comparisons.

Islam Makhachev continues to rise while still early in his championship prime across two weight classes. Khabib Nurmagomedov remains closely involved as his coach, regularly pushing him to improve and maintain discipline. Their relationship reflects continuity rather than comparison between generations. Joe Rogan’s perspective reinforces that progression as the sport continues to evolve.

Joe Rogan talks about UFC being the pinnacle of Combat Sports

The UFC has become one of the largest combat sports organizations of the modern era, establishing a dominant global footprint. Under the leadership of CEO Dana White, the promotion was transformed after being acquired when it was struggling financially. White oversaw the regulation and mainstream acceptance of mixed martial arts. That growth turned the UFC into a multibillion-dollar sports property.

Elon Musk smoking at Joe Rogan's podcast
Joe Rogan (via X)

Joe Rogan has been closely tied to the UFC since 1997, beginning his involvement as a post-fight interviewer at UFC 12. Over time, Dana White encouraged him to transition into a color commentary role. Rogan became a long-standing voice of the promotion, providing technical analysis across eras. His recent comments reflect that deep familiarity with the UFC’s competitive standards.

UFC is the combat sports’ leader, and if you’re not in the UFC, I don’t care. You can go to the PFL and you can win that million dollars, but the reality is, part of what you’re doing is you’re trying to be the best, and if you’re going to be the best, you kind of have to be in the UFC.

Joe Rogan via PowerfulJRE

The UFC is now entering a new phase of its broadcasting evolution after securing the $7.7 billion streaming rights deal with Paramount+. The agreement signals continued commercial growth and expanded media reach. As the promotion evolves, Joe Rogan remains a central figure in shaping how the sport is presented. His perspective continues to carry weight alongside the UFC’s expanding platform.

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