Joe Rogan Praises Islam Makhachev’s Complete Skill Set
Joe Rogan has seen thousands of elite fighters up close, but Islam Makhachev still leaves him impressed.
Speaking about Makhachev’s skill set, Rogan praised the former lightweight king for being far more than just a grappler. According to Rogan, Islam is dangerous everywhere — on the feet, in the clinch, and especially once he gets hold of his opponents.
“Islam, he smothers everybody,” Rogan said. “His striking is dangerous as f*ck. He’s so terrifying once he gets hold of you. He head-kicked Volkanovski. He messes people up standing up.”
It was a strong statement, but it captures exactly why Makhachev has become one of the most respected fighters in modern MMA.
Makhachev Is Not Just a Wrestler
For years, fans mostly talked about Makhachev’s grappling.
That makes sense. His control, takedowns, pressure, and submissions are some of the best in the sport. When he gets opponents on the ground, he can make elite fighters look stuck.
But Rogan’s point is important: Makhachev is not only winning because of wrestling.
His striking has improved massively. He is patient, sharp, and calm on the feet. He does not throw wild combinations or chase reckless exchanges. Instead, he uses smart timing, clean counters, and the threat of the takedown to make opponents uncomfortable.
That balance is what makes him so dangerous.
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The Volkanovski Head Kick Changed the Conversation
Rogan mentioning the head kick against Alexander Volkanovski is important because that moment changed how many fans viewed Makhachev’s striking.
Before that, some people still saw Islam mainly as a grappler. After that knockout, it became harder to ignore his stand-up danger.
Finishing a fighter like Volkanovski with a head kick showed that Makhachev can punish opponents even when they are prepared for his wrestling. That makes him a much harder puzzle to solve.
If fighters focus too much on defending takedowns, they can get hit. If they worry too much about the striking, they can get taken down.
That is the nightmare Makhachev creates.
Why He Smothers Opponents
The word “smothers” fits Makhachev perfectly.
He does not give opponents much space. He controls distance, pushes them toward the cage, forces them to defend grips, and slowly removes their options.
Even when he is not immediately finishing, he is making fighters work. They have to defend takedowns, protect their neck, fight hands, stand back up, and avoid strikes. Over time, that pressure becomes exhausting.
That is why Makhachev’s style is so difficult. He does not need one perfect moment. He can break opponents down minute by minute.
Rogan Understands the Threat
Joe Rogan’s praise carries weight because he has watched every type of fighter: strikers, wrestlers, champions, legends, and prospects.
When Rogan says Makhachev is terrifying once he gets hold of you, he is pointing to something real. Islam’s grip strength, balance, top pressure, and positional control make opponents feel trapped.
But the striking improvement is what has taken him to another level.
A fighter who can dominate grappling exchanges and hurt people standing is no longer one-dimensional. That is a complete threat.
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Final Thoughts
Joe Rogan’s comments about Islam Makhachev explain why he is viewed as one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.
He smothers opponents with pressure. He controls them with grappling. He punishes them in the clinch. And now, he has proven he can seriously hurt elite fighters on the feet.
That combination is what makes Makhachev so difficult to beat.
He is not just a wrestler.
He is a complete mixed martial artist who can damage opponents anywhere the fight goes.
