Adamant Joe Rogan Refuses to Acknowledge Islam Makhachev’s Wish After Knocking Out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294

Islam Makhachev harbors ambitions to become a double champion. The Dagestani had followed a possible UFC 294 clash against welterweight champion Leon Edwards earlier this year, but that, of course, did not materialize. Even before the UFC 294 bout against Alexander Volkanovski, he had spoken about rooting for Colby Covington in his UFC 296 welterweight title bout against Leon Edwards.

Covington has called out Makhachev to be his next opponent if he defeats Edwards. Which is why Makhachev wants ‘Chaos’ to win in December. However, one man is not a fan of Makhachev moving up to 170: UFC commentator Joe Rogan.

Joe Rogan on why Islam Makhachev should stay at lightweight

Rogan was joined by friends Eddie Bravo, Brendan Schaub, and Bryan Callen on his JRE Fight Companion for UFC 294. The group was watching and reacting to the card live. Makhachev defeated Volkanovski in the first round because of a devastating head kick.

So hard was Makhachev’s kick that the Dagestani was seen limping after the bout as a result of the damage ‘Volk’s head did to his leg. One can only speculate on how painful it would have been for the Aussie. After the fight, however, Makhachev did not call anyone out. Back at the podcast studio, Brendan Schaub asked if Makhachev announced he was moving up to welterweight at 170 pounds.

“Makhachev going to 170? Did he announce that?” the stand-up comic and podcaster asked.

Rogan told Schaub that he hadn’t. The podcast host added that he was not in favor of Makhachev moving up and wanted to see him defend his lightweight title as there were good fights to be had at 155 pounds. He felt undefeated featherweight prospect Ilia Topuria would be a good fight for ‘Volk’.

“No he didn’t announce that. Why would he when he just dominated at 155? I like him defending his title at 155. Let’s go, there’s a lot of good matchups there. And Volkanovski against Ilia Topuria is still a great matchup,” Rogan said.

There are indications that the reigning lightweight champion will be fighting at lightweight next after Dana White spoke at the UFC 294 post-fight press conference about his opinion on the Dagestani’s next title defense.

Dana White wants Makhachev to fight Oliveira next

On Islam Makhachev’s next fight, White said that former champion Charles Oliveira deserves to fight Makhachev next over BMF title-holder Justin Gaethje. The Brazilian was scheduled to rematch Makhachev at UFC 294 but was forced to pull out due to an injury just days from the bout. Volkanovski stepped in at eleven days’ notice, salvaging the main event at the Abu Dhabi card.

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‘Alexander The Great’ has expressed his desire to fight Topuria in January 2024. This is the first time the former rugby player has been stopped since his fourth professional MMA fight. However, given the severity of the knockout, most, including Islam Makhachev have advised the Australian against this. Do you think ‘Volk’ should fight in January next year?

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