Rogan Questions Makhachev's Welterweight Future After UFC 330

Joe Rogan believes Islam Makhachev could face serious problems against the division's biggest hitters despite retaining his welterweight title at UFC 330.

Makhachev ground out a decision over Ian Machado Garry in Philadelphia last weekend, stretching his UFC win streak to 17 and breaking Anderson Silva's all-time record. The victory answered some questions about the Dagestani's move up from lightweight, but Rogan sees trouble ahead against naturally larger opponents.

Size Gap Could Pose Problems For Champion

Speaking after UFC 330, the UFC commentator pointed to the physical toll of controlling bigger bodies. "He did what he had to do and was really tested in ways we haven't seen him tested before," Rogan said, per MMA Junkie. "It was moments where you're used to Islam having a certain amount of control and dominance that he just didn't seem to have over the bigger guys."

Rogan singled out Michael Morales and Carlos Prates as potential nightmare matchups. Both fighters carry knockout power Garry lacks and cut significantly more weight to reach 170 pounds. "Morales kills everybody he touches. Carlos Prates is a murderer," Rogan said. "Ian is not that same guy. He's a strategic striker who's very technical, but he doesn't have nuclear power."

The podcast host noted the contrast with Makhachev's lightweight reign, where he crushed Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira with top control. At welterweight, the champion has to work harder to impose that same dominance. "There is also a significant difference in the amount of taxing that it takes on Islam's body," Rogan added, per the same report. "If I was in his corner, I'd be like, 'Maybe we should go back down.'"

Makhachev is expected to address his next title defense in the coming weeks.

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• BJPenn — Joe Rogan has some worries for Islam Makhachev despite UFC 330 victory