Joe Rogan suggests ‘crazy’ twist for upcoming UFC lightweight, featherweight title bouts

Joe Rogan recently pretended to be a UFC matchmaker.
Joe Rogan suggests ‘crazy’ twist for upcoming UFC lightweight, featherweight title bouts.
Joe Rogan suggests ‘crazy’ twist for upcoming UFC lightweight, featherweight title bouts. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has a solution to solve the mess at 145 and 155 pounds.

Both of the division's current champions, Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev, have been linked to a potential future super fight, but nothing has been discussed further.

Rogan, if he could, would take matters into his own hands.

Joe Rogan Discusses Lightweight and Featherweight

While watching UFC 312 this past Saturday, Rogan discussed his ideal scenario if he were a matchmaker.

Joe Rogan discusses UFC ranking
Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC announcer Joe Rogan during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“As crazy as it sounds, I hope Ilia [Topuria] goes up to [155]. I really do,” Rogan said. “[Alexander] Volkanovski-Diego Lopes (at) [145], Ilia goes up to 55. I don’t care if he only defended the one time or didn’t. Who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f***ing go.”

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Rogan added he could care less about the number of title defenses in each division, rather what lucrative possibilities may come out of it.

Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center.
Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“Yeah, it’d be nice. But also who cares?” Rogan said. “Let’s go. Let’s f***ing go.”

In many respects, Rogan isn't far off. It's not like the UFC hasn't experimented with these so-called fights in the past, as examples include GSP vs. Michael Bisping, Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez, and GSP vs. B.J. Penn over the years.

Could Topuria Move Up?

With the UFC needing fresh title fights and fewer rematches moving forward, Rogan's logic seems like a good first step.

Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center.
Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Whether it happens is unclear, as the UFC has yet to reveal its plan for both men moving forward. Makhachev is fresh off a win against Renato Moicano, while Topuria beat "BMF" champion Max Holloway last October.

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99