Joe Rogan’s ‘crazy’ idea for two UFC title fights might be perfect

Whereas questions stay about what the subsequent UFC light-weight and featherweight title fights shall be, it’s a no brainer for Joe Rogan.

Throughout a latest episode of  “The Joe Rogan Expertise” podcast, the favored UFC commentator left little doubt about what he’d prefer to see: Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria transferring as much as light-weight to problem Islam Makhachev whereas former champ Alexander Volkanovski and rising star Diego Lopes meet for the 145-pound title.

“As loopy because it sounds, I hope Ilia goes as much as 55. I actually do,” Rogan stated. “Volkanovski-Diego Lopes (at) 45, Ilia goes as much as 55. I don’t care if he solely defended the one time or didn’t. Who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f*cking go.”

When visitor Matt Serra prompt Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) ought to defend his 145-pound belt a pair extra instances earlier than making the transfer, Rogan dismissed it.

“Yeah, it’d be good. But in addition who cares?” Rogan stated. “Let’s go. Let’s f*cking go.”

Discuss of Topuria transferring as much as light-weight started even earlier than he knocked out Max Holloway in his first title protection final October at UFC 308. A rematch with Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC), whom Topuria knocked out in February 2024 to assert the title, is also on the desk.

Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC), coming off a submission win over late-replacement Renato Moicano final month at UFC 311, has been solely lukewarm on the thought of a combat with Topuria after already beating earlier 145-pound champ Volkanovski twice. However with UFC CEO Dana White saying unique UFC 311 challenger Arman Tsarukyan wouldn’t be getting an instantaneous rebooking, maybe a combat with Topuria appears extra interesting.

Ought to Rogan’s state of affairs play out, the largest benefactor could be Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC), who would safe his first title shot whereas on a five-fight successful streak.