Joe Rogan Questions Khabib’s Perfect UFC Record
Joe Rogan has never been afraid to share blunt opinions, especially when it comes to mixed martial arts. Recently, he took a surprisingly tough stance on the undefeated career of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Now, to be clear, Rogan has always expressed deep respect for Khabib’s dominance inside the octagon, but he also pointed out one fight that continues to raise eyebrows — and in his eyes, it’s the reason Khabib’s flawless 29-0 record might not be as perfect as it seems.
Khabib retired in 2020 after defeating Justin Gaethje, walking away as champion and holding onto that rare, unblemished record. Fans and analysts celebrated the way he exited the sport — on his own terms, at the very top, and without a single loss. But Rogan has repeatedly mentioned one fight from early in Khabib’s UFC run that doesn’t quite sit right with him: Khabib’s 2012 matchup against Gleison Tibau at UFC 148 in Las Vegas.
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That night, Khabib earned a unanimous decision victory. On paper, it looked like another step toward greatness. But according to Rogan, the fight told a different story. He believes Tibau should have been awarded the decision, and that the scorecards didn’t reflect what actually happened in the cage. In fact, Rogan has gone as far as calling it the one fight Khabib should have lost. He’s described it as razor close, and even admitted he thought Khabib came up short.
This isn’t the first time Rogan has said it, either. On his own podcast, even in a conversation with former President Donald Trump, Rogan brought up the Tibau fight again, stressing that there’s an “asterisk” on Khabib’s otherwise spotless record. In his words, “That asterisk is Gleison Tibau.”
Now, despite that criticism, Rogan didn’t dismiss Khabib’s greatness. He praised the former champion, noting how dominant he was in actual championship fights and recognizing that very few fighters retire undefeated at the highest level. Still, he suggested that the debate around that 2012 bout should always be part of the larger conversation about Khabib’s legacy.
Today, Khabib has stayed involved in the sport as a coach, guiding new talent and carrying on the values passed down from his late father. But questions linger — including Dana White’s old belief that Khabib might return to honor his father’s dream of a 30-0 record. That comeback never happened, and fans are left wondering what could have been.
So, while Joe Rogan continues to honor Khabib as one of the all-time greats, he’s also reminding everyone that even legends have moments that deserve a closer look. For him, Khabib’s undefeated record shines bright — but not without that one shadow cast by Gleison Tibau.
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