Joe Rogan Expresses Concerns for Islam Makhachev's Welterweight Future After UFC 330 Victory

UFC commentator Joe Rogan has voiced some concerns regarding Islam Makhachev's prospects in the welterweight division, even after his recent significant win at UFC 330.

In the headline bout of UFC 330, Islam Makhachev secured a hard-fought victory against Ian Machado Garry. This triumph not only saw him successfully defend his UFC welterweight championship but also allowed him to surpass Anderson Silva's record for consecutive wins within the promotion, bringing his own streak to an impressive 17.

Makhachev's transition to the welterweight division was always expected to bring forth numerous questions. While his performance thus far has been positive, he has been facing opponents who are naturally larger than him.

Following the fight, Joe Rogan shared some insightful thoughts on Makhachev's potential trajectory in this new weight class.

Rogan's Perspective on Makhachev's Welterweight Path

Rogan commented on Makhachev's performance at UFC 330, stating, "He did what he had to do and was really tested in ways we haven’t seen him tested before. 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."

He elaborated on the potential challenges, saying, "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."

"There is also a significant difference in the amount of taxing that it takes on Islam’s body," Rogan added. "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).'"