Joe Rogan’s ‘crazy’ idea for two UFC title fights might be perfect

While questions remain about what the next UFC lightweight and featherweight title fights will be, it’s a no-brainer for Joe Rogan.

During a recent episode of  “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, the popular UFC commentator left no doubt about what he’d like to see: Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria moving up to lightweight to challenge Islam Makhachev while former champ Alexander Volkanovski and rising star Diego Lopes meet for the 145-pound title.

“As crazy as it sounds, I hope Ilia goes up to 55. I really do,” Rogan said. “Volkanovski-Diego Lopes (at) 45, Ilia goes up to 55. I don’t care if he only defended the one time or didn’t. Who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f*cking go.”

When guest Matt Serra suggested Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) should defend his 145-pound belt a couple more times before making the move, Rogan dismissed it.

“Yeah, it’d be nice. But also who cares?” Rogan said. “Let’s go. Let’s f*cking go.”

Talk of Topuria moving up to lightweight began even before he knocked out Max Holloway in his first title defense last October at UFC 308. A rematch with Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC), whom Topuria knocked out in February 2024 to claim the title, also is on the table.

Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC), coming off a submission win over late-replacement Renato Moicano last month at UFC 311, has been only lukewarm on the idea of a fight with Topuria after already beating previous 145-pound champ Volkanovski twice. But with UFC CEO Dana White saying original UFC 311 challenger Arman Tsarukyan would not be getting an immediate rebooking, perhaps a fight with Topuria looks more appealing.

Should Rogan’s scenario play out, the biggest benefactor would be Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC), who would secure his first title shot while on a five-fight winning streak.