When it comes to MMA, Dagestani fighters have carved out a reputation as some of the most dominant athletes in combat sports, whether it’s boxing or MMA. And when you think of Dagestan, one name stands out above the rest: Khabib Nurmagomedov. With an unblemished 29-0 record, Khabib ruled the UFC’s lightweight division with an iron grip, dismantling every opponent in his path before his retirement. Many believed that with Khabib stepping away, the era of Dagestani dominance in the UFC had come to an end.

But that assumption couldn’t have been more wrong. Since ‘The Eagle’s’ retirement, two other Dagestani fighters from Team Khabib have risen to prominence: Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov. Both have quickly made a name for themselves in the UFC, continuing the legacy of their mentor. This has sparked a fascinating debate among fans: Who is the greatest Nurmagomedov—Khabib, ‘The Eagle,’ or his cousin, Umar, ‘The Young Eagle’?

Well, if you’re looking for answers, leave it to our favorite podcaster, Joe Rogan. In his latest episode, Rogan delves into this hot topic, sharing his thoughts on the Nurmagomedov legacy and who truly reigns supreme.

Joe Rogan’s analysis: Who’s better, Khabib or Umar Nurmagomedov?

Earlier this month, on episode #2186 of ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’, Joe Rogan was joined by Estonian stand-up comedian Ari Matti, known for his work in the ‘Kill Tony’. During the episode, they covered a range of topics but devoted a special segment to MMA, honing in on UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev and his impressive victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.

During the conversation, Rogan suddenly compared Makhachev to his close friend and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov. In terms of technicality, Rogan said, “Yeah, like the khabib thing. The first two rounds, you can actually out-hustle, not out- hustle him, but you can be explosive enough to create those moments of Jiu-Jitsu where can stay safe. But that train just keeps coming. The train keeps coming, just f–king keeps coming.”

Then, the podcaster shifted the conversation to another Dagestani fighter, Umar Nurmagomedov, who recently wowed everyone at UFC’s first Saudi Arabia event with his win over Cory Sandhagen. Umar leaped eight spots, securing the #2 rank and causing a major shake-up in the bantamweight division. Rogan highlighted the ‘Young Eagle’ talent, saying, ” The difference between Umar and Khabib is Umar’s stand-up is so dynamic. His kicking is so dynamic, it’s so dangerous and quick. He throws head kicks off the front leg with speed; he throws things that are lighting-fast.”

You might be surprised by Joe Rogan’s opinion, but this isn’t the first time someone has favored Umar Nurmagomedov over ‘Eagle’. Earlier this year, the manager of the Nurmagomedov family and their teammates, who also trained alongside them, made the same comparison in an interview.

The manager places Umar above Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev

Former MMA fighter turned manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has been working with Khabib Nurmagomedov for nearly a decade. Since 2016, he has stood by ‘Eagle’ through thick and thin, even taking on Conor McGregor’s ire before Nurmagomedov’s UFC 299 fight in 2018. Over time, Abdelaziz forged a close bond with ‘Eagle’, which led him to also manage Khabib’s teammates, Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov.

Recently, Abdelaziz asserted that Umar Nurmagomedov is superior to both Makhachev and Khabib. In an interview with Kevin Iole on YouTube, Abdelaziz explained why he considers Umar the best, stating, “Nobody in the top 15 can beat Umar, he is better than all of them. He’s better than Islam, better than Khabib, better than all of them. Umar I believe is better than all of them.”

What are your thoughts on Joe Rogan’s remarks? Do you also think Umar Nurmagomedov is better than both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev overall? Drop your thoughts below.