Joe Rogan Picks Usman Over Garry for Makhachev's First Title Defense

The UFC commentator believes the welterweight legend deserves the shot at the two-division champion.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 4:07am

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Joe Rogan has revealed his preference for UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev's first title defense. Rogan thinks it's only right that former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman be given the fight, despite rising contender Ian Machado Garry also earning an opportunity. Makhachev became the eleventh two-division champ in UFC history last November when he dethroned Jack Della Maddalena to add the welterweight title to his lightweight reign.

Why it matters

Makhachev has options for his first welterweight title defense, but Rogan believes Usman's legendary status and recent impressive win over Joaquin Buckley make him the rightful challenger. This matchup would pit two of the UFC's top pound-for-pound fighters against each other in a highly anticipated bout.

The details

Makhachev named Usman as his preferred challenger soon after winning the welterweight title, but there has not been much movement toward that matchup. Recent reports have indicated that Garry is the frontrunner to face Makhachev next. However, Rogan thinks Usman deserves the shot, especially with the former champion potentially nearing the end of his career.

  • Makhachev became the UFC welterweight champion in November 2025.
  • Usman defeated Joaquin Buckley in Atlanta in June 2026.

The players

Islam Makhachev

The current UFC welterweight and lightweight champion, who became the eleventh two-division champion in UFC history in 2025.

Kamaru Usman

The former UFC welterweight champion, considered a legend of the sport, who is seeking one more title shot before potentially retiring.

Ian Machado Garry

A rising UFC welterweight contender who has earned a potential title shot against Makhachev.

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What they’re saying

“I think Ian Garry deserves it, but I also think Kamaru — like, come on, the guy's a legend. This is like, the last year he could fight, and he looked sensational against Joaquin Buckley. I want to see that fight (Makhachev vs Usman).”

— Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator

The takeaway

Rogan's preference for Usman to get the title shot against Makhachev highlights the former champion's legendary status and the desire to see the matchup between two of the UFC's top pound-for-pound fighters before Usman potentially retires. However, rising contender Garry has also earned consideration, creating an intriguing dilemma for the UFC.