The lightweight division is one of the toughest in the UFC, with stars like Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and now Islam Makhachev taking turns at the top. While Khabib remains a standout name thanks to his undefeated record and dominance inside the Octagon. However, according to UFC commentator Joe Rogan, there was one fighter, in his prime, who could have potentially defeated “The Eagle.”
Rogan has been with the UFC since the early days, witnessing every era of the sport from the best seat in the house. While many fans and analysts consider Khabib Nurmagomedov the greatest lightweight in history, Rogan believes a prime BJ Penn was even more dangerous. Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan said:
“People talk about Khabib being the greatest lightweight of all time, and maybe he is. It’s very possible he is. But I would put the BJ Penn that fought Joe Daddy Stevenson, the BJ Penn that fought Sean Sherk, the BJ Penn that was like in that peak. I would put him against anybody.”
Joe Rogan says peak BJ Penn could beat ANY lightweight ever — even Khabib
"People talk about Khabib being the greatest lightweight of all time, and maybe he is. It's very possible he is. But I would put the BJ Penn that fought Joe Daddy Stevenson, the BJ Penn that fought… pic.twitter.com/37xiwKhE1F
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 7, 2025
Rogan praised BJ Penn’s elite skills, noting he could dominate both on the ground and on the feet. Similarly, just like the dream matchup between Khabib and Penn, fans have long speculated how ‘The Eagle’ would’ve fared against Georges St-Pierre—a super fight that never materialized.
Joe Rogan Questions Conor McGregor’s Return
Fans are eagerly awaiting McGregor’s return, with rumors previously linking him to a boxing match against Logan Paul in India. However, the fight got reportedly off for unknown reasons. Meanwhile, UFC commentator Joe Rogan has expressed doubt about McGregor’s fighting future, saying on episode 2239 of his podcast,
“I don’t know if Conor’s ever gonna fight again… The reality is that guy’s partying and he’s partying real hard.”
Joe Rogan believes Conor McGregor’s fighting days are over. Agree? pic.twitter.com/Dl5ad5KovW
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 27, 2024
Rogan believes McGregor’s intense lifestyle could be a result of the long-term toll fighting has taken on his body and mind, noting, “You’re not supposed to get punched in the head a thousand times a year.” With no official update on ‘The Notorious’ return—or whether he’ll ever step back into the cage—his fighting future remains uncertain.
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