Joe Rogan has clear thoughts on Ilia Topuria’s lightweight path. On his latest JRE Fight Companion podcast, the UFC voice dismissed talk of Topuria facing champ Islam Makhachev right away. He offered a fresh idea instead.
Rogan Rejects Makhachev Matchup
Rogan spoke plainly.
“I don’t think that’s happening… I wonder what they’re gonna do with Topuria. I like Topuria vs Oliveira. Oliveira is so tall, so dangerous everywhere, huge reach advantage. Those lightweights are real big, Islam’s huge,” he said on his podcast March 22, 2025.
He questions Topuria jumping straight to Makhachev after leaving featherweight. With decades in UFC, Rogan knows the ropes.
Topuria dropped his 145-pound belt in February 2025 after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in 2024. Undefeated at 16-0, he’s eyeing Makhachev’s title. Makhachev, 27-1, stopped Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January 2025 for his fourth defense. His team wants Topuria to prove himself at 155 first. Rogan sees logic in waiting.
🗣️Joe Rogan on Islam vs Topuria:
“I don’t think that’s happening,”
“I wonder what they’re gonna do with Topuria. I like Topuria vs Oliveira. Oliveira is so tall, so dangerous everywhere, huge reach advantage. Those lightweights are real big, Islam’s huge,”
(via JRE Podcast) pic.twitter.com/FAMwPt7dhH
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) March 23, 2025
Oliveira as Topuria’s Test
Rogan favors Charles Oliveira. Standing 5-foot-10 with a 74-inch reach, Oliveira towers over Topuria’s 5-foot-8 frame. His 22-9 record boasts 16 submissions and sharp strikes. He lost to Makhachev in 2022 but beat Beneil Dariush in 2023. Rogan views this as a chance to measure Topuria against a skilled, lengthy lightweight.
Topuria’s shift to 155 pounds shook things up. His power stunned featherweight with consecutive KOs. Now he aims for two-division gold. Rogan ponders how he’ll handle bigger foes. Oliveira’s size could reveal if Topuria’s set for Makhachev’s frame.
Makhachev’s Plans
Makhachev has options. He’s topped featherweights like Volkanovski twice. After Moicano, Justin Gaethje or an Oliveira rematch loom. UFC 317 in June 2025 might be his next slot. Rogan’s suggestion delays Topuria’s shot, letting Makhachev focus elsewhere.
Oliveira vs. Topuria promises action. Oliveira’s submission game meets Topuria’s knockout run. Rogan notes lightweight size as a hurdle. It’s a proving ground for Topuria’s climb without rushing Makhachev.
