Joe Rogan Drops a Bombshell: Why the UFC Won’t Rush Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria—But Another Superfight Looms

The UFC is at a crossroads. Two dominant champions—Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria—are on the verge of a potential mega-fight, a clash that could define a new era in mixed martial arts. But Joe Rogan doesn’t believe the UFC will pull the trigger on that fight just yet.

Despite the growing buzz around a Makhachev vs. Topuria showdown, Rogan has made it clear: “I don’t think it’s happening.”

Why would the UFC hesitate on a fight that could bring in massive pay-per-view numbers? What’s the real reason behind delaying this champion-vs-champion clash? And why does Rogan believe Charles Oliveira might be Topuria’s next opponent instead?

Let’s dive into the mystery behind the UFC’s matchmaking strategy and explore why Topuria vs. Oliveira might be the superfight that happens first.

The Fight Fans Want: Makhachev vs. Topuria—But Not Yet?

A Dream Matchup That Could Shake the UFC

The idea of Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria is nothing short of thrilling.

• Makhachev, the lightweight champion and Dagestani wrestling machine, has dominated the division with his suffocating grappling and ever-improving striking. He has already beaten legends like Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski—twice.

• Topuria, the undefeated featherweight champion, is a striking phenom with one of the cleanest boxing arsenals in the UFC. His recent destruction of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 made it clear: El Matador is the real deal.

The storyline writes itself—two unstoppable champions from different weight classes, colliding in a battle for legacy.

Why the UFC Won’t Book It… Yet

Despite the overwhelming excitement surrounding a potential Makhachev vs. Topuria showdown, Joe Rogan believes the UFC will delay this fight for one major reason: timing.

Rogan explained, “I don’t think [Makhachev vs. Topuria] is happening right away.”

Here’s why:

1. Topuria Just Became Champion

   • The UFC typically lets new champions build their name before throwing them into superfights. Topuria is a rising star, but his legacy at featherweight isn’t fully established yet.

   • A few more dominant title defenses would make a Topuria vs. Makhachev fight even bigger.

2. The Featherweight Division Needs Clarity

   • Max Holloway, Brian Ortega, and Yair Rodriguez are still major players at 145 lbs.

   • If Topuria vacates too soon, it could throw the division into chaos.

3. Makhachev’s Lightweight Contenders Are Waiting

   • Fighters like Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Charles Oliveira are still vying for their shot at the lightweight belt.

   • The UFC may want Makhachev to clear out one or two more contenders before he moves up for superfights.

But if Makhachev vs. Topuria isn’t next… then what is?

Topuria vs. Oliveira – A War That Could Be Even Wilder?

Joe Rogan’s Alternative: Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira

While fans dream of Makhachev vs. Topuria, Rogan is more intrigued by a different fight: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira.

It’s easy to see why. This matchup could be one of the most exciting stylistic clashes in UFC history.

• Topuria is a masterful boxer with devastating power. His precise striking and killer instinct make him one of the most dangerous finishers in the UFC today.

• Oliveira is a submission genius, holding the UFC record for most finishes and submissions. His ability to snatch a choke or armbar from anywhere makes him an ever-present threat.

• Both fighters are finishers, meaning this fight would almost certainly not go the distance.

Imagine a fight where Topuria is looking to land a knockout, while Oliveira is constantly searching for a submission. It’s the kind of chaos that could end in a highlight-reel finish for either man.

Why This Fight Makes More Sense Right Now

1. It’s a Safer Step for Topuria’s Legacy

   • Instead of jumping straight to a Makhachev superfight, Topuria could test himself against a former lightweight champion first.

   • A win over Oliveira at 155 lbs would prove that Topuria can hang with the best lightweights before facing Makhachev.

2. Oliveira Is Still a Massive Name

   • Despite losing to Makhachev, Oliveira remains one of the biggest stars in the UFC.

   • A fight between him and Topuria would still generate huge pay-per-view numbers.

3. It’s a Striking vs. Jiu-Jitsu Battle

   • Unlike Makhachev, who would likely wrestle Topuria to death, Oliveira would engage in a wild fight.

   • This means a much more entertaining battle for the fans.

If the UFC is playing the long game, this fight sets the stage perfectly for Makhachev vs. Topuria down the road.

The Long-Term Vision: Will Makhachev vs. Topuria Happen in 2025?

What Needs to Happen First

While Joe Rogan doesn’t believe Makhachev vs. Topuria is happening right away, that doesn’t mean it’s off the table forever.

For the fight to happen in late 2024 or early 2025, we’d need to see:

1. Topuria taking a lightweight fight first

   • If he beats Oliveira, the UFC would be forced to consider him for a champion vs. champion showdown.

2. Makhachev defending his belt at least once more

   • If he clears out another contender, the UFC would have no choice but to seek out fresh challenges.

3. The fans demanding it

   • If the UFC senses that the world wants Makhachev vs. Topuria more than anything else, they’ll make it happen.

Will the UFC Risk Topuria Losing Before a Mega-Fight?

One of the biggest questions is whether the UFC wants to risk Topuria losing before they book him in a superfight. If he fights Oliveira and gets submitted, the hype for Makhachev vs. Topuria could fade.

On the other hand, if he dominates Oliveira, the hype will explode even further.

This is the gamble the UFC must consider.

The UFC’s Next Big Move

So, what happens next?

• Joe Rogan doesn’t believe Makhachev vs. Topuria will happen right away—and he might be right.

• Instead, the UFC could book Topuria vs. Oliveira, testing Ilia at lightweight before throwing him into a superfight.

• If Topuria wins convincingly, then and only then will the UFC make Makhachev vs. Topuria official.

One thing is certain: No matter what happens, the next year of UFC fights is about to be insane.

What do you think? Should the UFC book Makhachev vs. Topuria now—or should Topuria prove himself at lightweight first? Let the debate begin.