Joe Rogan recently marveled at the intense training of two UFC lightweight champions. He shared his thoughts on a May 6, 2025, episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast.
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired in 2020 with a perfect 29-0 record. His four title defenses included submissions over Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier.
Islam Makhachev, Khabib’s protege, now rules the lightweight division. His 15-fight win streak features knockouts and submissions against top names like Charles Oliveira.
Rogan, speaking with outdoorsman Cameron Hanes, praised the Dagestani duo’s work ethic. He said:
“Khabib [Nurmagomedov] had unbelievably gruelling training sessions. That was one of the things that was so apparent with his endurance. Their discipline was second to none. No girlfriends, no phones, no bulls***, no video games. F*** you. We train. Eat, recover, train. You wanna really be a champion? This is how you have to work. This is how Islam Makhachev is so good. This is how Khabib is so good. Those guys are disciplined.”
His words highlight their focus.
Discipline Fuels Dominance and Inspires Others
Khabib’s dominance came from relentless ground control and sambo skills. He averaged 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes, overwhelming foes like Justin Gaethje.
Makhachev blends wrestling with sharp striking, earning praise as a complete fighter. His coach, Javier Mendez, notes his ability to adapt instantly in bouts.
Their training camps, rooted in Dagestan, emphasize wrestling and strict routines. Under Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap, fighters avoided distractions to build endurance.
Bo Nickal (7-1), a rising UFC star, could learn from this approach. After a TKO loss to Reinier de Ridder (20-2) on May 3, 2025, Brendan Schaub urged Nickal to mimic Khabib’s grappling.
De Ridder, now on a four-fight win streak, exposed Nickal’s weak stand-up game. Schaub’s advice echoes Rogan, pushing Nickal to prioritize his elite wrestling.
Mendez, who coaches both Khabib and Makhachev, called Makhachev’s versatility unmatched. He believes Makhachev could surpass Khabib as the sport’s greatest.
Fans on X echoed Rogan’s admiration, praising the Dagestani work ethic. Some debated Makhachev’s reluctance to fight Ilia Topuria, citing Khabib’s influence.
Makhachev aims to become a two-division champion, eyeing welterweight gold. His bond with champion Belal Muhammad may delay that move, Rogan noted.
The discipline Rogan celebrates has shaped Khabib and Makhachev into legends. Their example could guide fighters like Nickal toward UFC success.
