Joe Rogan believes Islam Makhachev's record victory on Saturday night was enough to make him bigger than Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The legendary Russian has transitioned from fighting to coaching, taking on Makhachev as his protégé even before his retirement. Considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, Nurmagomedov retired in 2020 at the height of his power.
And Rogan now thinks Makhachev, after beating Renato Moicano and breaking the record for most ever lightweight title defense at UFC 311, may have surpassed his coach.
Joe Rogan believes Islam Makhachev has now surpassed Khabib Nurmagomedov
On Saturday night, Islam Makhachev landed his fourth lightweight title defense, becoming the statistically most dominant champion in history. Khabib Nurmagomedov had only managed three before retiring, although he is believed to have been essentially unbeatable at the time.
And Joe Rogan believes the champion may have the edge over his teacher. “He's just sensational,” Rogan said on ESPN's post-fight show.
“I mean, the kind of pressure that's on a champion to come in and fight an unknown challenger, a guy who's not supposed to win, a guy who's very dangerous and has nothing to lose. Moicano played with house money.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
“And to perform like that and immediately sink a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt submission to the ground [is incredible].”
When Jon Anik suggested Makhachev has surpassed his legendary teammate, Rogan responded: “I think you're right. If you look at his striking appearance, that is what separates him.
“I mean, Khabib was just an incredible grounded pound machine and plenty of it, but what Islam brings to the table is also notable for the elite. I mean, his hitting is as good as anyone else in the sport.”
Islam Makhachev defeats Renato Moicano at UFC 311 to break the lightweight title record
Heading into Saturday's main event, Makhachev had to face a whole new challenge when Arman Tsarukyan was forced out with a back injury. The pair were set to compete in a rematch for the title, but Moicano intervened at short notice.
Within minutes of the opening round, the champion got his opponent down after a back-and-forth move that he decided had gone on long enough. He locked in a Darce choke as Moicano tried to get back to his feet and got the tap to secure the win.
It now remains to be seen what's next for Makhachev. He took virtually no damage in the few minutes of the fight and is eager to return to action soon, albeit with a slightly shorter training camp.
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