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Joe Rogan's Controversial Comments on Khabib Nurmagomedov's Undefeated Record

9/11/2025, 12:44:21 PM

Joe Rogan Questions Khabib Nurmagomedov's Legacy

Joe Rogan, a prominent UFC commentator and host of "The Joe Rogan Experience," has reignited discussions surrounding Khabib Nurmagomedov's legendary 29-0 record by suggesting it should carry an asterisk. During a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan expressed his belief that Nurmagomedov should have lost a fight against Gleison Tibau at UFC 148 in 2012. This bout, which ended in a unanimous decision in favor of Nurmagomedov, has been a subject of debate among fans and analysts for years.

Rogan stated, “I think that’s the one guy that should have beat him... If you look at the record, Khabib’s got an undefeated record, (but) there’s an asterisk. That asterisk is Gleison Tibau. That was a very f*cking close fight that I thought Khabib lost.” This sentiment is echoed by several media members, with five out of six scoring the fight for Tibau, indicating a significant divide in opinions regarding the fight's outcome.

Background on Khabib Nurmagomedov's Career

Khabib Nurmagomedov, a former UFC lightweight champion, retired in 2020 with an unblemished record, defeating notable fighters such as Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. His dominance in the octagon has solidified his status as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. However, the Tibau fight remains a blemish in the eyes of some, including Rogan, who argue that it raises questions about the legitimacy of his undefeated status.

Criticism and Opposition

Rogan's comments have sparked backlash from various corners of the MMA community. Critics argue that questioning Nurmagomedov's record undermines his accomplishments and the rigorous competition he faced throughout his career. Many fans and analysts believe that despite the controversial decision against Tibau, Nurmagomedov's overall performance and dominance in subsequent fights validate his legacy.

Official Statements & Responses

In response to Rogan's remarks, several fighters and commentators have weighed in. Notably, UFC star Nate Diaz expressed his disbelief at the judges' decision in the controversial fight between Paddy Pimblett and Jared Gordon, which Rogan also criticized. This pattern of questioning decisions in high-profile fights highlights Rogan's ongoing engagement with the integrity of officiating in MMA.

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

While Rogan's assertion about the Tibau fight has gained traction, it is essential to note that opinions vary widely within the MMA community. Some analysts maintain that Nurmagomedov's victory was justified based on his overall performance in the fight, while others support Rogan's perspective, emphasizing the close nature of the bout.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “Khabib’s got an undefeated record — there’s an asterisk, and the asterisk is Gleison Tibau.” — Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator

Conclusion

Joe Rogan's comments on Khabib Nurmagomedov's undefeated record have reignited a long-standing debate within the MMA community. While some support Rogan's perspective, others defend Nurmagomedov's legacy as one of the sport's greatest champions. As discussions continue, the impact of Rogan's statements on public perception and the ongoing discourse surrounding fight officiating remains to be seen.