Joe Rogan names the three greatest fighters in UFC history
12/23/2024 09:14 PM
Joe Rogan’s UFC GOAT list might surprise you.
UFC analyst Joe Rogan has seen the best and the worst fighters that have ever graced the Octagon. But for Rogan, three UFC legends stand out from the crowd when discussing the all-time greatest fighters in the promotion’s history.
Rogan began his tenure as one of the voices of the Octagon in 1997 as a backstage and post-fight interviewer. Some of his first interviews included Mark Coleman, Vitor Belfort, and UFC lightweight tournament champion Jerry Bohlander.
Rogan eventually made his way to the UFC broadcast desk as a color analyst, a position he’d held since 2002. He’s witnessed some of the most remarkable moments in UFC history, from jaw-dropping knockouts to back-and-forth gladiator battles.
In recent months, the debate regarding the greatest UFC fighter of all time has heated up, mostly due to UFC CEO Dana White. Rogan detailed his Top 3 UFC fighters, in no particular order during Episode #2112 of The Joe Rogan Experience with comedian Dan Soder.
Let’s take a look at Rogan’s Top 3 UFC GOATs.
Joe Rogan GOAT Pick #1: Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva was Rogan’s first pick during the podcast discussion. The former UFC middleweight champion set the standard for UFC dominance after 10 consecutive title defenses.
“You gotta look at them in this window of time. And sometimes it’s just a few years where they’re accomplishing things in a way that it’s extraordinary you go, ‘I’ve never seen anybody better’. Anderson Silva, when he was in his prime, he was operating at a different speed than [his opponents]. He was processing things with like a 2024 computer, and they were using a Windows ’95,” Rogan said of Silva. (h/t Give Me Sport)
During his illustrious career, Silva defeated the likes of Chael Sonnen, Forrest Griffin, and Yushin Okami. At one point in the UFC, he amassed a 16-fight winning streak, including victories at light heavyweight over Stephan Bonnar and Griffin.
Silva entered the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023 and retired with a 34-11-1 professional record. Despite his late-career struggles, Silva remains in the GOAT conversation based on when he was at the peak of his powers.
Joe Rogan GOAT Pick #2: Demetrious Johnson
No. 2 on Rogan’s GOAT list is former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. The UFC’s first flyweight champion, Johnson was an unstoppable force when he was at his best.
“When he was in his prime, “Mighty Mouse” was a m********** to watch. He would do s*** that no one could do. There’s not a champion alive that can do that [suplex] the way “Mighty Mouse” can do that. When [Johnson] fought [Henry] Cejudo the first time, it was a masterclass. I maintain that he is the finest expression of martial arts I have ever seen,” Rogan asserted on Johnson.
Johnson dissected many UFC flyweight legends during his title reign, including Joseph Benavidez and Henry Cejudo. He set the UFC record for most consecutive title defenses (11) when he trapped Ray Borg in a now-legendary flying armbar submission at UFC 216.
Johnson retired earlier this year following his trilogy win over Adriano Moraes in ONE Championship. Despite a recent callout from Alexandre Pantoja, the 25-4-1 Johnson seems content in his decision to hang up the gloves.
Joe Rogan GOAT Pick #3: Khabib Nurmagomedov
Last but not least, Rogan’s third and final pick on Episode #2112 was none other than former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. During his lightweight title reign cut short due to an abrupt retirement, Nurmagomedov dismantled the likes of Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
“That’s just how good Khabib was (on his wins over Poirier & Gaethje). He’s so good. It’s almost a tragedy that he never wants to fight again. He’ll go out, without a doubt, as one of the greatest to ever do it. If not the best ever, he’s definitely in the argument,” Rogan said of Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov retired 29-0 with wins over the likes of Conor McGregor, Poirier, Gaethje, and Michael Johnson. He announced his retirement after defeating Gaethje to fulfill a pre-fight promise to his mother not to fight again following the tragic death of his father, Abdulmanap.
White and the UFC brass attempted to lure Nurmagomedov out of retirement numerous times since 2020, including for a potential super fight with Georges St-Pierre. After ending his fighting career, Nurmagomedov has turned into one of MMA’s best coaches, mentoring the likes of Islam Makhachev and his cousin, Umar.
