🔴 SHOCKING CLAIM: Joe Rogan Says Islam Makhachev REFUSES to Fight Without $55 MILLION – Fans in Outrage

The MMA world is in an uproar after UFC commentator and podcast host Joe Rogan dropped a bombshell on the latest episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, revealing that Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has demanded a staggering $55 million to step into the Octagon with former Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria. The jaw-dropping figure, which Rogan claims he heard from “a source close to the UFC,” has sparked heated debates among fans and fighters alike, with many accusing Makhachev of pricing himself out of a fight that could define his legacy.

Rogan’s Explosive Revelation

During a heated discussion with guest and former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre on the April 30 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan didn’t hold back when the topic of Makhachev vs. Topuria came up. “I heard from a very reliable source that Islam Makhachev is asking for $55 million to fight Ilia Topuria,” Rogan exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief. “I mean, $55 million! That’s insane—nobody in the UFC is getting that kind of money, not even Conor McGregor at his peak!” Rogan’s revelation comes amid ongoing negotiations for a potential super-fight between Makhachev and Topuria at UFC 317 on June 28 during International Fight Week, a matchup that has been hyped as one of the biggest in recent UFC history.

Rogan went on to speculate that Makhachev’s demand might be a strategic move to avoid the fight altogether. “Look, Islam is a killer, one of the best ever, but Topuria is a dangerous guy,” Rogan said. “Maybe he’s looking at Ilia and thinking, ‘This guy could knock me out.’ So he throws out this crazy number to make it impossible.” St-Pierre, visibly stunned, agreed, adding, “If that’s true, it’s a shame. This fight would be amazing for the fans. Ilia’s power, Islam’s grappling—it’s a dream matchup.”

A Fight Marred by Controversy

The potential clash between Makhachev (27-1, 16-1 UFC) and Topuria (16-0, 8-0 UFC) has been a hot topic since Topuria vacated his featherweight title at UFC 314 to move up to lightweight, with the Spaniard boldly claiming he would “destroy” Makhachev. However, Makhachev and his team, including mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, have been hesitant, insisting that Topuria must first prove himself against a top lightweight contender like Charles Oliveira. Belal Muhammad, a close friend of Makhachev, echoed this sentiment on MMA Fighting on April 24, saying, “He gave up his belt and hasn’t earned a lightweight shot. Let him beat someone like Oliveira first.”

The $55 million demand, if true, adds fuel to the fire of accusations that Makhachev is ducking Topuria. Topuria himself has been vocal about the perceived reluctance, stating on the PBD Podcast, “Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam. Only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me.” The undefeated knockout artist, who became the first to finish both Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, has only added to the hype by predicting a second-round knockout of Makhachev, telling Main Event TV, “I’m the best in the world, and I know I can do with him whatever I want.”

The MMA Community Reacts

Rogan’s revelation has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, with fans and fighters taking to social media to voice their opinions. The hashtag #Makhachev55Million trended worldwide within hours of the podcast airing, amassing over 1 million posts. Some fans supported Makhachev’s demand, arguing that as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, he deserves a massive payday. “Islam’s the champ, he can ask for whatever he wants!” one user wrote. Others, however, accused him of avoiding Topuria, with comments like, “$55M? That’s just a fancy way of saying ‘I’m scared of Ilia.’”

Prominent figures in the sport have also weighed in. Merab Dvalishvili, speaking to ChampRDS, called Makhachev’s demand “ridiculous,” saying, “Islam’s making excuses. Ilia’s the biggest name—why not fight him?” Meanwhile, Alexander Volkanovski, who has faced Makhachev twice, told the BYM Podcast, “If Islam’s asking for $55 million, that’s a sign he doesn’t want the fight. Ilia’s got the power to knock him out, and Islam knows it.” The sentiment echoes Rogan’s own theory that Makhachev may be wary of Topuria’s striking, especially after seeing him finish two featherweight legends that Makhachev couldn’t.

The Financial Reality: Is $55 Million Feasible?

The $55 million figure is unprecedented in UFC history. For context, Conor McGregor, the UFC’s biggest star, reportedly earned around $30 million for his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, including PPV points. Makhachev’s highest-known purse was $1 million for his title defense against Volkanovski at UFC 294, with additional bonuses and PPV shares likely pushing his earnings to around $5 million. A $55 million demand would not only shatter UFC records but also dwarf the payouts of boxing’s biggest stars, like Canelo Alvarez, who earned $40 million for his 2024 fight against Jaime Munguia.

UFC President Dana White has not officially commented on Rogan’s claim, but he previously expressed frustration with Makhachev’s camp over their reluctance to book the fight, telling MMA Junkie on April 25, “We want to make this fight happen—it’s huge for the fans.” The UFC’s reported plan to feature Makhachev vs. Topuria at UFC 317, as noted by The Sportster, now hangs in the balance, with Rogan’s revelation potentially derailing negotiations. If Makhachev sticks to his demand, the UFC may pivot to a backup plan, such as Makhachev vs. Justin Gaethje, which Chael Sonnen reported as a possibility on April 25.

What’s Next for Topuria and Makhachev?

For Ilia Topuria, the $55 million demand is just another obstacle in his quest to become a two-division champion. The 28-year-old Spaniard, who announced the start of his training camp on April 22 via social media—“the camp has begun”—remains undeterred, telling Bloody Elbow, “I’ll fight anyone, anywhere. Islam can’t hide forever.” If the UFC can’t meet Makhachev’s demands, Topuria may face Charles Oliveira instead, a matchup that could serve as a title eliminator for the lightweight belt.

Makhachev, meanwhile, risks damaging his legacy if Rogan’s claim proves true. By pricing himself out of a fight that fans are clamoring for, he could be seen as avoiding a legitimate threat in Topuria, whose knockout power has been praised by the likes of Volkanovski and St-Pierre. Makhachev’s hesitation, combined with his team’s insistence that Topuria “hasn’t earned” a shot, has only fueled speculation that the Dagestani champion fears “El Matador’s” hands.

A Fight Worth the Price?

Joe Rogan’s bombshell has cast a shadow over what could be one of the UFC’s most electrifying matchups. While $55 million may be an unrealistic figure, it underscores the high stakes of a Makhachev-Topuria fight—a clash of styles, egos, and legacies. Whether the UFC can bridge the financial gap remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the MMA world won’t rest until these two warriors settle the score in the Octagon. For now, Rogan’s revelation has added another layer of drama to a saga that’s far from over.