Alexander Volkanovski didn’t just walk into the Octagon at UFC 314, he marched in with a point to prove and a legacy to reclaim. At 36, with two brutal knockout losses behind him and critics whispering about decline, the Aussie featherweight legend faced a rising beast in Diego Lopes. This wasn’t just a title fight. It was a resurrection. And no one was watching closer than Joe Rogan!

In a clip from the JRE (Joe Rogan Experience) episode no. 2309, shared on X by ‘Home of Fight’, the UFC color commentator admitted, “That was a fight I really wanted to see because I really wanted to see if Volkanovski could pull it off. All-time great featherweight champion. One of the, for sure, greatest fighters of all time.”

With no fighter between 125lbs and 155lbs above the age of 35 being able to win a UFC championship, Volkanovski had his work cut out for him. Add to that the two brutal knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, on top of a 14-month layoff, most had written him off. But the Aussie proved that his nickname wasn’t just talk.

Volkanovski threw the kitchen sink at Lopes. He landed more than twice as many significant strikes, with the official stats reading 158 against 63. But Lopes didn’t break. He bit down on his mouthpiece and hit back. The second round saw Lopes drop Volk with a thunderous right. Blood spilled from under the Aussie’s eye. But champions don’t just fight back—they rise. Volkanovski, battered but unbowed, dialed into cruise control for the rest of the contest. Not just surviving. Dominating!

Final scorecards? 48-47, 49-46, 49-46. All for the Aussie. As such, Joe Rogan continued by stating in front of his guest and JRE regular, Joey Diaz, “Shoo in for the hall of fame, but he’s 36. And he got knocked out two times in a row, and he’s fighting this f—– animal in Diego Lopez. It was a great fight, though, and Volk pulled it off.”

And right on cue, the internet lit up. Not just in praise of Volkanovski, but, surprisingly, in praise of Joe Rogan’s call! Here’s a look at what the netizens had to say!

Joe Rogan hands Alexander Volkanovski his flowers as fans nod along in a “rare” moment

While the UFC color commentator and JRE host usually finds himself at odds with the fans over his takes, this time he seemingly hit all the right chords. Fans, known for clowning Joe Rogan’s ever-shifting GOAT claims, gave him a rare win for calling Alexander Volkanovski’s greatness in stride. For once, the internet wasn’t mocking, just nodding along to the excellence that was on display.

“Rare Joe Rogan W”

For others, ‘The Great’s performance at UFC 314 might have sealed the argument for his place in the featherweight division’s GOAT conversation. With 14 UFC wins, 3 losses, and a title reclaimed at 36, many fans saw the Aussie’s resume outshining Jose Aldo’s. What do you think?

“He’s gotta be the fw goat”

Yet, not everyone was swayed. Some purists pointed to Aldo’s longer title reign, more defenses, and deeper win streak. Volkanovski may have beaten him head-to-head at UFC 237, but the legacy Aldo left behind is hard to argue against. After all, the Brazilian legend remained unbeaten for over a decade until he ran into Conor McGregor at UFC 194.

“I still think Aldo is better cause Aldo more title defences and title wins, and longer winning streak period. Aldo FW GOAT.”

However, this one was pure Joe Rogan shade. The MMA community never forgets. From Khabib Nurmagomedov to Jon Jones to Demetrious Johnson—Rogan’s called them all ‘the GOAT’ at some point!

“He’s called everyone the goat at least once.”

Some fans offered a more analytical lens. GOAT debates may rage forever, but Volk’s adjustments mid-fight, his volume, and his patience all screamed elite. In fact, ‘The Great’ and Aldo are the only names on a very short list of featherweight fighters to have ever re-captured the title after losing it! Volk won the undisputed title twice, while Aldo won back the interim 145lbs crown at UFC 200. 

“Joe’s assessment of Volkanovski as a GOAT is intriguing, yet flawed in context. Age and knockout losses are merely variables in a larger equation of skill and strategy. The true measure lies in his adaptability and the tactical execution against Diego Lopes.”

In the end, in a sport where greatness is fleeting, Alexander Volkanovski just added another chapter when everyone expected him to fall short. And whether you believe he’s surpassed Jose Aldo or simply joined him on the featherweight Mount Rushmore, one thing’s certain: ‘The Great’ isn’t done writing his story. 

As for Joe Rogan? Maybe he finally got one of those GOAT calls right! So, where do you stand? Has ‘The Great’ secured his legacy, or is the debate far from over? Let us know in the comments below!