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

Following Islam Makhachev's successful welterweight title defense at UFC 330, commentator Joe Rogan voiced some reservations about the fighter's long-term prospects in the division.

Makhachev secured a decisive victory over Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC 330, retaining his welterweight championship and extending his consecutive win streak to 17, surpassing Anderson Silva's record within the promotion.

Makhachev's move to the welterweight division has been met with anticipation and questions, particularly concerning his ability to compete against naturally larger opponents. While his performance against Garry was strong, Rogan highlighted potential challenges ahead.

"He did what he had to do and was really tested in ways we haven’t seen him tested before," Rogan commented on Makhachev's fight. "It was a difficult fight. Although he won by a good margin, a healthy margin, there were 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."

Rogan elaborated on the physical challenges, stating, "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."

He further emphasized the physical toll: "There is also a significant difference in the amount of taxing that it takes on Islam’s body. 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).'"