In a recent episode of his popular podcast featuring guest Cameron Hanes, UFC commentator Joe Rogan made a bold statement about former UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn, suggesting that Penn at his peak would have been competitive against anyone in the division’s history – including undefeated former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“People talk about Khabib being the greatest lightweight of all time, and maybe he is. It’s very possible he is,” Rogan said during the conversation. “But I would put the BJ Penn that fought Joe Daddy Stevenson, the BJ Penn that fought Sean Sherk — that BJ Penn that was in that peak — I would put him against anybody.”
Rogan, who has witnessed the evolution of MMA throughout his decades-long career as a UFC commentator, particularly highlighted Penn’s versatility during his prime years. Penn, nicknamed “The Prodigy,” was known for his exceptional all-around skills that made him a dual-division champion in the UFC.
“When he fought Diego Sanchez, he couldn’t be stopped,” Rogan emphasized, referring to Penn’s dominant performance against Sanchez in December 2009. “And if you got him to the ground, his submission game was insane. It was insane off of his back. He would take your back. You’re dead. He would knock you out standing up. His kickboxing was elite.”
When discussing how a hypothetical matchup between prime Penn and Nurmagomedov might unfold, Rogan acknowledged Khabib’s wrestling prowess would likely come into play. “Take him down for sure,” Rogan said. “He probably fight him the same way Georges St. Pierre did.”
This reference points to Penn’s 2009 loss to GSP, where the Canadian champion utilized his wrestling to control Penn on the ground. However, Rogan’s comments suggest he believes Penn’s submission skills from his back could have presented unique challenges for Nurmagomedov’s ground-heavy approach.
Penn is widely regarded as one of MMA’s pioneers, becoming the first American to win the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the black belt division before capturing UFC titles in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. His flexibility, technical prowess, and natural fighting instincts made him a formidable opponent during his championship reign from 2008 to 2010.
Nurmagomedov, who retired in 2020 with a perfect 29-0 record, never faced Penn during their overlapping careers. The Russian fighter’s dominance was built on relentless pressure and wrestling that no opponent could effectively counter.
While the debate between different eras of fighters remains theoretical, Rogan’s high praise for Penn highlights the Hawaiian’s special place in MMA history, suggesting that even against modern champions like Nurmagomedov, a prime Penn would have been a serious challenge.
