Joe Rogan's UFC GOAT list may surprise you.
UFC analyst Joe Rogan has seen the best and worst fighters to ever grace the Octagon. But for Rogan, three UFC legends stand out from the crowd when discussing the all-time greatest fighters in the promotion's history.
Rogan began his tenure as one of the voices of the Octagon in 1997 as a backstage and post-fight interviewer. Some of his early interviews included Mark Coleman, Vitor Belfort and UFC Lightweight Tournament Champion Jerry Bohlander.
Rogan eventually landed on the UFC broadcast desk as a color analyst, a position he has held since 2002. He has witnessed some of the most remarkable moments in UFC history, from breathtaking knockouts to back-and-forth gladiatorial combat.
In recent months, the debate over the greatest UFC fighter of all time has heated up, thanks largely to UFC CEO Dana White. Rogan detailed his Top 3 UFC fighters, in no particular order, during episode #2112 of The Joe Rogan Experience with comedian Dan Soder.
Let's take a look at Rogan's Top 3 UFC GOATs.
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Joe Rogan GOAT Pick #1: Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva was Rogan's first choice during the podcast discussion. The former UFC middleweight champion set the standard for UFC dominance after 10 consecutive title defenses.
“You have to look at them in this time frame. And sometimes it's just a few years where they achieve things in a way that is extraordinary and makes you say, 'I've never seen anyone better.' Anderson Silva, when he was in his prime, operated at a different speed than he did [his opponents]. He was processing things on a 2024 computer, and they were using a Windows '95,” Rogan said of Silva. (h/t Give me sports)
During his illustrious career, Silva defeated the likes of Chael Sonnen, Forrest Griffin and Yushin Okami. At one point in the UFC, he went on a 16-fight winning streak, including victories at light heavyweight over Stephan Bonnar and Griffin.
Silva was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023, retiring with a professional record of 34-11-1. Despite his late-career struggles, Silva remains in the GOAT conversation based on when he was at the height of his powers.
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Joe Rogan GOAT Pick #2: Demetrious Johnson
No. 2 on Rogan's GOAT list is former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. Johnson, the UFC's first flyweight champion, was an unstoppable force when he was at his best.
“When he was in his prime, 'Mighty Mouse' was a joy to watch. He would do things that no one could do. There is no living champion who can do that [suplex] the way “Mighty Mouse” can do that. When [Johnson] fought [Henry] Cejudo the first time, it was a masterclass. I claim he is the best expression of martial arts I have ever seen,” Rogan claimed to Johnson.
Johnson dissected many UFC flyweight legends during his title reign, including Joseph Benavidez and Henry Cejudo. He set the UFC record for most consecutive title defenses (11) when he trapped Ray Borg in a now legendary flying armbar submission at UFC 216.
Johnson retired earlier this year following his trilogy victory over Adriano Moraes in ONE Championship. Despite a recent call-up from Alexandre Pantoja, the 25-4-1 Johnson appears content with his decision to hang up the gloves.
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Joe Rogan GOAT Pick #3: Khabib Nurmagomedov
Last but not least, Rogan's third and final pick in episode #2112 was none other than former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. During his lightweight title reign that was cut short due to an abrupt retirement, Nurmagomedov dismantled the likes of Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
“That's exactly how good Khabib was (with his wins over Poirier and Gaethje). He's so good. It's almost a tragedy that he never wants to fight again. Without a doubt, he will emerge as one of the greatest to ever do this. If he's not the best ever, he's definitely in the discussion,” Rogan said of Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov retired 29-0 with wins over Conor McGregor, Poirier, Gaethje and Michael Johnson, among others. He announced his retirement after defeating Gaethje to fulfill a pre-fight promise to his mother not to fight again after the tragic death of his father, Abdulmanap.
White and the UFC brass have tried to lure Nurmagomedov out of retirement numerous times since 2020, including for a potential superfight with Georges St-Pierre. After ending his fighting career, Nurmagomedov has become one of MMA's top coaches, mentoring the likes of Islam Makhachev and his cousin Umar.
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