# Joe Rogan isn't sure Islam Makhachev can handle welterweights with 'nuclear power'

> **Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-08-18 00:07 UTC · Category: Sports

## Executive Summary
Joe Rogan questions Islam Makhachev's ability to handle the 'nuclear power' of the welterweight division following Makhachev's win over Ian Garry.

## Intelligence Brief
Following a victory over Ian Garry, UFC fighter Islam Makhachev is facing scrutiny regarding his potential move to a higher weight class. According to coverage from MMA Junkie, Joe Rogan has expressed doubt over whether Makhachev possesses the necessary tools to compete against welterweights. Rogan specifically highlighted the 'nuclear power' associated with fighters in that division, suggesting that the physical strength and striking impact of welterweights may present a challenge that Makhachev is not yet equipped to handle effectively. The current discourse is being driven by two distinct angles across sports media outlets. MMA Junkie is focusing on the skepticism voiced by Joe Rogan regarding the physical transition to a heavier weight class.


Simultaneously, Yahoo Sports is examining Makhachev's overall legacy, posing the question of where the fighter now ranks in the UFC GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate. This indicates a split in the narrative between his immediate tactical viability in a new division and his long-term standing among the most successful fighters in the history of the organization. Contextually, this discussion is triggered by Makhachev's recent success, specifically his win over Ian Garry. This victory has placed Makhachev in a position where his dominance is being weighed against the possibility of expanding his reign into multiple weight classes. The tension in the reporting stems from the difference between technical skill and raw power, as the welterweight division is characterized in the coverage as having a level of 'nuclear power' that differs from the challenges Makhachev has faced in his current weight category.


Future developments to monitor include whether Makhachev officially pursues a welterweight bout or remains in his current division. Observers will be looking for responses from Makhachev or the UFC regarding the specific concerns raised by Joe Rogan. Additionally, the ongoing GOAT debate reported by Yahoo Sports suggests that further evaluations of Makhachev's rankings will continue as analysts weigh the significance of the Ian Garry victory against the potential risks of moving up in weight.

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|
| Yahoo Sports | Dana White, Islam Makhachev puzzled by Ian Machado Garry's show of respect during UFC 330 title fight | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi5gFBVV95cUxNV2oxWmsxcVVFR2I5TFBRNUV2aUp1TmtLMFZBSzJvSFJBc1pSZ3JZQjhoYk95QldkWEU2bnEtOWs3OG8zekl3RjVaZFVMY21EMWNKTlB3cXdXMkRJYXR5a2tXcTdpTDVfd0lOUGdWN3c4NnJ0bjVyVlRLM3VzSFZYNldHMVR4UVhPcjBHUG1neGVXaHdvaWM1czByNEdQR292REo2aUlTMVhjOEE2VkpoM2NOVktWbkoyYmVNUk9OOHJ1Tnp6WGg5Rjh1WE5uMTJXcUNQVFJfQWtRNlBpcmdUZkpUa1Y0dw?oc=5) |
| Yahoo Sports | Where Does Islam Makhachev Rank In UFC GOAT Debate After Ian Garry Victory? | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivgFBVV95cUxNWVI0cGZRcUJuT1pGMTBHU0huVVotb19hOXJLMEt3bnhOalFSWEFseFVWQ2xPWHhYWFF4UjJKdmhEY3k3OE1vemVjQkdkRWJZTDVUSmhuS2xMeS1FanVfbDd6TVBFaVM3b2NYNmZhMFk3cUpTTzlNbV9oUlJpeTQwZlpyeWk3Um1Rd0RFOVplOWJYeWZPZU9EQ01KVHhIbWVoU0RpQ3I5YWQtd280MDFJbW9FVkpsNmQ1NE5oN1dn?oc=5) |
| MMA Junkie | Joe Rogan isn't sure Islam Makhachev can handle welterweights with 'nuclear power' | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMizwFBVV95cUxNQUw4aEtFbi1JeVhpZEhzbVl6Sld5TGdfUVdfLTk5d2FMUXVwRktmTF9uMDRsQzdnQnpxQlR6Vy1FZDNMdFFmQldwMU54OVdzdzNYc081OE5VY1h2SmlKVGY5UEZhU3VqMElzOXJ6dmhDeHhmeElGSjJiMTZQY201WURNRE5IQUM1MHdzMkRPREJLQXA0OGx4MHBFdG8xTW5XanFkMUtFWFVWTnY0MkRCT2JFTzVLWnpWbDRWOFhrTnhGTFNpR3RYQk51YWlKdkU?oc=5) |

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*Canonical Source: https://pulse.byoviral.com/trend/2026-08-18/joe-rogan-isn-t-sure-islam-makhachev-can-handle-welterweights-with-nuclear-power*