Joe Rogan has named who he thinks are the three greatest UFC fighters of all time – and one name may surprise you.
Rogan, 57, is a UFC legend and has seen most of the greatest MMA fighters in close quarters.
Since its inception in November 1993, the best wrestlers, kickboxers, Muay Thai fighters and Brazilian Jiujitsu competitors have battled it out in the octagon.
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In the 1990s, most fighters were one-dimensional, favouring one of the martial arts as opposed to honing their skills in different disciplines.
Now, most fighters have been trained in mixed martial arts from an early age and have an astute background in most styles.
Those who can combine striking, submissions and wrestling tend to become the greatest fighters.
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Rogan himself has trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai for several decades.
His skill, combined with his encyclopaedic knowledge of the sport, has allowed him to become a respected voice within MMA circles.
The American was speaking to musician Luke Combs in March 2023 when he gave his opinion on the GOAT (greatest of all time) debate, and he revealed his top three fighters on the ‘Joe Rogan Experience’.
"Khabib [Nurmagomedov] is in the conversation,” Rogan explained.
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The Dagestan-born fighter went undefeated during his MMA career with a perfect record of 29 wins – eight by knockout – and zero losses.
The former UFC lightweight champion is best known for his bad-blooded rivalry with Conor McGregor, who he beat in August 2018.
Khabib retired in 2021 following the death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. The 36-year-old’s legacy will live on, but the only question mark over his career is his lack of longevity, having fought in just four world title fights.
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“But Mighty Mouse [Demetrious Johnson] is in that conversation too," said Rogan.
"Might Mouse, to me, is the technical expression of the greatness of mixed martial arts. He's as good as everyone we've ever seen.”
Johnson won the flyweight championship in 2012 after defeating Joseph Benavidez.
He went on to hold the title for 2,142 days before suffering a loss against Henry Cejudo in August 2018.
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The 38-year-old switched promotion to ONE Championship before announcing his retirement on December 6, 2024.
"When he [Demetrious Johnson] was the flyweight champion, besides a few people, he was not facing the calibre of guys that [Jon] Jones was facing,” Rogan insisted.
Rogan then explained how he felt that Jon Jones was the “goat” and that it was “undeniable” given his impressive record.
"The difference is Jon Jones never lost even when he was doing drugs, and he wasn't even training... that's how god damn good Jon Jones is,” added Rogan.
Jones reigned as light heavyweight champ for 1,501 days before moving up to the heavyweight division after a three-year layoff, securing the heavyweight title with a first-round win against Ciryl Gane in March 2023.
Despite being linked with fights against British interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, Jones is set to take on former champion Stipe Miocic on November 16.
Luke Alfred Davies