“Test Them Before They Get an IV”: Joe Rogan Weighs In on the Controversy That Rocked Islam Makhachev & Khabib’s Camp

In the world of mixed martial arts, fighters go through a lot in their quest to be at their best when they step into the octagon. While training camps are grueling, the toughest thing a fighter has to do is to make weight before their fight. Failing to do so can ruin their chances of victory before they even step foot in the cage. The weight-cutting process is difficult for everyone, but it has been particularly onerous for ‘Team Khabib’.

Notably, Khabib Nurmagomedov has compromised his health while making weight in the past, and more recently, Islam Makhachev has been at the center of controversy over accusations of cheating during his fight with Alexander Volkanovski by using an IV. This has sparked a lot of debate in the MMA world, and recently, the topic was discussed by Joe Rogan on his podcast with Jorge Masvidal. The UFC commentator weighed in strongly on the matter, shedding light on the issues surrounding weight-cutting, testing, and the use of IVs in the sport.

Test them the right way, at the right time

During episode #137 of the JRE MMA Show, Joe Rogan sat down with Jorge Masvidal, who was set to make his comeback in the octagon after a brief detour. The two touched upon various facets of the sport and stumbled upon the subject of drug testing the UFC fighters.

Speaking on which, the UFC commentator put out his thought on the matter. While doing so, the 55-year-old even talked about the controversy surrounding the use of IV, which has brought a nightmare to

Islam Makhachev lately. Rogan said, “I think it’s good that the UFC did something[about testing], but I think, ultimately, what they did is a little bit of overkill. And it just like, particularly the IVs for rehydration. I just don’t- I know that they’re saying that it can mask performance-enhancing drugs.”

The UFC commentator added, “Test them before they get an IV. There’s way is to test. Like, it’s healthier for the fighter that have an IV.”

Read more: Joe Rogan Asks 3 Questions to the UFC Concerning the Weight Cut Menace Before Fights: “Some of These Guys Are Terrible”

Aside from the testing aspect, Joe Rogan also put forth a suggestion for the UFC over weight cutting, a subject he has formerly criticized, too.

Joe Rogan offers an alternative to weight cutting

Weight-cutting in the UFC has been a controversial aspect of the sport that has drawn severe criticism for its formula and even for its mere existence. And Joe Rogan has often confronted this tradition of the promotion, advocating for a safer and more reasonable approach to weight management. During a recent episode of the JRE, the UFC personnel offered a solution for this issue.

Rogan states, “They should outlaw weight-cutting. They should figure out a way, where fighters fight at their natural.” He continued, “Make more weight classes, and have fighters fight at their natural weight.”

This proposal seems like a step in the right direction, as it would prioritize the fighters’ safety and well-being if actually put in place. Will that be a possibility? We can’t say. But it sure sounds rational to a point. What do you make of Rogan’s comments about weight-cutting? Let us know in the comments section below.

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