Summary
Khabib Nurmagomedov is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/khabib_nurmagomedov
While Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the greatest names in Russian UFC history, "The Eagle" is far from the only Russian to stand out in the world's biggest MMA event. According to Joe Rogan, the UFC's main commentator, Islam Makhachev has already done enough to surpass his friend and training partner in the race for the title of greatest of all time.
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Rogan acknowledged the talent and importance that the leader of the Dagestan Clan possesses in the history of MMA. However, he highlighted that Makhachev's striking technique is a significant difference to consider when comparing the two.
“Khabib is undoubtedly one of the greatest of all time. But the difference between Khabib and Islam is that Islam is elite in stand-up fighting. Khabib has a great stand-up game, but Islam knocked out Volkanovski with a head kick – that’s not part of Khabib’s repertoire. Islam is on another level,” Rogan said on an episode of 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast .
Joe Rogan puts Islam Makhachev higher than Khabib, praising his elite standup and complete skill set 🔥🏆
"Khabib is, without a doubt, one of the all-time greats. But the difference between Khabib and Islam is Islam is elite, standup-wise. Khabib has really good standup, but… pic.twitter.com/Owg57JhZYz
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 2, 2026
“Islam is a level above. He can knock you out standing up, knock you out on the ground, he can submit you. You're always thinking about grappling when you're exchanging blows. So, when you ask, like, who's a better striker, Islam or JDM, well, it depends, because if you have to worry about takedowns, your striking won't be the same,” he concluded.
Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrates Islam Makhachev 's victory at UFC 284. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated
K. Nurmagomedov retired from MMA in 2020. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The Russian competed in the UFC between 2012 and 2020. He won all 13 fights in the organization and reached the top of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) flawlessly. The peak of his career came when he faced Conor McGregor in September 2018, in the biggest pay-per-view in MMA history. On that occasion, he finished his rival in the fourth round and reached stardom.
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