While many widely consider Khabib Nurmagomedov to be the greatest lightweight fighter in history, long-time UFC personality Joe Rogan disagrees.
Nurmagomedov famously retired from mixed martial arts in 2020, ending his career undefeated at 29-0 after a dominant victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
Known as ‘The Eagle’, he is frequently cited as one of the sport`s all-time pound-for-pound best and the most dominant lightweight ever. However, his protégé, Islam Makhachev, recently surpassed his record for title defenses in the division this past January.
Nurmagomedov is now establishing a reputation as one of MMA`s top coaches, playing a key role in guiding Makhachev and continuing Russia`s strong presence in the lightweight class.
Joe Rogan questions Khabib`s claim to the greatest lightweight title
Despite the general consensus favouring Khabib as the premier 155-pound fighter ever, Joe Rogan has offered a different perspective, arguing that BJ Penn holds that distinction.
‘The Prodigy’ saw his legacy somewhat impacted by the end of his UFC tenure, finishing with a 16-14-2 record after losing his final seven bouts.
Prior to that period, however, Penn secured impressive victories against prominent fighters such as Sean Sherk, Kenny Florian, and Joe Stevenson.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan stated, “People talk about Khabib being the greatest lightweight of all time and maybe he is, it’s very possible he is.”
He continued, “But I would put the BJ Penn that fought Joe ‘Daddy’ Stevenson, the BJ Penn that fought Sean Sherk, the BJ Penn that was in that peak when he was training, I would put him against anybody, against anybody.”
Rogan further elaborated on Penn`s skills: “When he fought Diego Sanchez, he couldn’t be stopped. And if you got him to the ground, his submission game was insane. He was insane off his back, he would take your back, you were dead. He would knock you out standing up, his kickboxing was elite.”
Could Islam Makhachev eventually become the lightweight GOAT?
With both Penn and Nurmagomedov now retired from competition, the door is open for Islam Makhachev to potentially remove all doubt regarding the greatest lightweight of all time.
As the current champion who holds the record for the most title defenses in the division`s history, a few more successful defenses at 155 pounds could solidify his place as the greatest ever.
Although he has expressed intentions to move up to the welterweight division in the near future, Belal Muhammad has reportedly advised him to remain at lightweight for the time being.
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