Joe Rogan has revealed his preference for UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev’s first defense.
The Dagestani became the eleventh two-division champ in UFC history last November, when he closed out the promotion’s latest Madison Square Garden event with a dominant showing.
Makhachev dethroned Jack Della Maddalena to follow up his lightweight reign with another crowning. In doing so, he made the Australian’s title reign at 170 pounds an extremely short one.
Moving forward, Makhachev is not without options for his return in 2026, but Rogan thinks one choice stands above the rest.
Joe Rogan wants to see legend Kamaru Usman granted his wish to challenge Islam Makhachev
Makhachev named Kamaru Usman as his preferred challenger in his first welterweight defense soon after his UFC 322 triumph.
There has not been much movement toward that matchup, however, and the latest reports have Ian Machado Garry as the frontrunner.
During an episode of his JRE Fight Companion during Saturday’s UFC London event, Rogan acknowledged that the Irish contender has earned an opportunity.
However, the longtime color commentator thinks it’s only right that Usman be given the fight after everything he has accomplished.
“I think Ian Garry deserves it, but I also think Kamaru — like, come on, the guy’s a legend,” Rogan said.
“This is like, the last year he could fight, and he looked sensational against Joaquin Buckley.
“I want to see that fight (Makhachev vs Usman),” Rogan added.