Joe Rogan believes Islam Makhachev has surpassed his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov as a mixed martial artist, praising the reigning two-division UFC champion for possessing a more complete skill set than the retired lightweight legend.
Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC), who trained under Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) throughout his rise in the UFC, mirrored his mentor’s success by capturing the lightweight title in 2022. He elevated his legacy even further last year when he vacated the 155-pound championship and moved up to welterweight, where he dominated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November to claim a second world title.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan explained why he rates Makhachev above Nurmagomedov despite Khabib’s undefeated career and status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
“Khabib is without doubt one of the all-time greats, one of the greatest to ever do it,” Rogan said. “But the difference between Khabib and Islam, is Islam is elite standup-wise. Khabib had very good stand-up, but Islam knocked out Alexander Volkanovski with a head kick. That's not in Khabib's repertoire.”
Rogan continued by highlighting the variety of threats Makhachev presents to opponents inside the cage.
“Islam is on another level. It's like, one more level above,” Rogan added. “He can knock you out standing, he can knock you out on the ground, he can submit you, he can take you down. He's f---ing huge for the weight class, especially 155.”
The longtime UFC commentator also pointed to Makhachev’s grappling pedigree as a major factor that enhances his striking effectiveness.
“There's so many aspects, and you're always thinking about that grappling when you're striking,” Rogan said. “So when you say, ‘who's a better striker: Islam or Jack Della Maddalena?’ Well, it depends, because if you've got to worry about that takedown, your striking is not going to be the same.
“Because everything he does, you're always looking for that takedown. And that factor leads to guys getting hit all the time.”
