“Look at What He Did to Poirier and Oliveira” - Joe Rogan Urges Islam Makhachev to Consider 155 Return

Islam Makhachev might have extended his record-breaking UFC winning streak to 17 fights at UFC 330, but veteran commentator Joe Rogan thinks the champion should rethink his long-term division goals. Following Makhachev's grueling decision win over Ian Machado Garry to retain his welterweight crown in Philadelphia, Rogan voiced serious concerns about the physical toll the 170-pound division takes on the Dagestani superstar.

The Physical Cost of Welterweight

While Makhachev got his hand raised, he was tested in ways fans rarely see. Machado Garry stuffed several takedowns and forced the champion to work relentlessly for control time across five rounds. Reflecting on the bout during the UFC post-fight broadcast, Rogan pointed out that imposing grappling domain over naturally larger, heavier opponents carries a massive metabolic tax.

"He did what he had to do and was really tested in ways we haven't seen him tested before," Rogan noted. "It was 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."

Rogan contrasted Makhachev's recent welterweight outings with his historic reign at 155 pounds, where his suffocating top control routinely dismantled the division's elite without taking nearly as much damage or spending as much energy.

"Look at what he did to Dustin Poirier, look at what he did to Charles Oliveira," Rogan argued. "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 '."

The commentator's warnings stem from the gauntlet waiting at 170 pounds, where power-punching physical specimens like Carlos Prates and Michael Morales are climbing the ranks. While Machado Garry is a slick, technical striker, Rogan believes collision courses with the division's nuclear punchers could present stylistic nightmares for Makhachev if he stays at welterweight.

Makhachev now stands at a major career crossroads. He can continue proving his dominance against naturally larger welterweights or return to lightweight, where he previously looked virtually untouchable. For now, Makhachev holds the 170-pound belt, but Rogan's advice is ringing loud.