Hey, what's up? Sure, I can help with that. Just hit me with the follow-up question, and I'll rephrase it for you in a way that stands on its own. Let's do this!

Joe Rogan:

Man, the real monsters in combat sports, they stand out. We're talking about guys like Justin Gaethje. That dude is just on another level. When you watch him fight, there's a certain kind of raw, calculated wildness that he brings into the octagon. It's terrifying. The way he knocked out Edson Barbosa, for instance—there's just this reckless abandon, but it's not chaotic. It's a controlled chaos, and that's what makes him so dangerous.

In a sport that's already inherently violent, Gaethje is something special. And he's constantly getting better. That's the crazy part. He's a monster, and when you see someone like that, you just know he's made for this sport.

And then you have to consider the differences between fighters from different disciplines. Even discussing female fighters, like Miriam Nakamoto—she's an eight-time world Muay Thai champion. She's an absolute beast, but it's a whole different game when you compare it to men fighting men.

The reality is, combat sports are evolving. Boxing, while historically significant, is getting overtaken by MMA because of its efficiency and excitement. It's about all-around fighters who can do it all—grappling, striking, you name it. There's a certain intensity and relentless pace that these monsters bring, and it's just electrifying to watch.

So, yeah, the real monsters in combat sports aren't just skilled; they're relentless, they're evolving, and they bring a kind of violence and intensity that makes you remember why you love watching fights in the first place.

Sure, let's dive in. When you talk about the true "monsters" in combat sports history, you can't ignore the names that have become synonymous with sheer dominance and skill.

Boxing Legends

• Sonny Liston: This guy was a straight-up menace. He was intimidating as hell and had this raw power that just broke people. Sonny was like a force of nature in the ring.
• Joe Louis: Known as the "Brown Bomber," Joe Louis was a phenomenal finisher. He had this technical prowess combined with undeniable power. He was one of those guys who could just systematically break you down.

Muay Thai Legend

• Apidej Sit Hirun: In the realm of Muay Thai, Apidej is a name that's feared and respected. This dude had devastating kicks. Like, we're talking career-ending, bone-breaking type of power.

How They Stack Up

These guys set the standards in their respective sports. Sonny and Joe in boxing, Apidej in Muay Thai—they're the kind of athletes who not only dominated their opponents but also pushed the sport forward. They made others around them better, and their impact is still felt today.

The thing about legends like these is they transcend their era. They become benchmarks. When you're measuring greatness in combat sports, you often find yourself comparing it to the standards set by these monsters.

If you think of someone like Muhammad Ali, who I believe would've been even greater if he had Mike Tyson around to challenge him—you see how competition and the era define these legendary figures. It's the same across all combat sports.

So yeah, those are the guys who truly stand out as the monsters of their time. They were more than just champions; they were the embodiment of what it means to be a fighter.

That's the magic of combat sports. It’s not just about winning; it’s about the aura, the fear, and the respect you command. That’s what makes a true legend.

Sure, let's dive into that.

When we talk about the impact and legacy of fighters like Jimmy Barry and Sugar Ray Robinson, we're really looking at some foundational figures in the history of boxing.

Jimmy Barry is a name that might not be as well-known to the casual boxing fan today, but man, this guy was a beast back in the late 19th century. He was undefeated throughout his career, which is crazy when you think about it. I mean, this was a time when the sport was way more brutal, and the rules were different. Barry's record was 59-0-10, including newspaper decisions, and that kinda sets a precedent, you know? An undefeated career in any era is impressive, but during that time, it speaks volumes about his skill and tenacity.

Now, Sugar Ray Robinson—this guy is often hailed as the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time. And for good reason. His record was like, 173-19-6 with 2 no contests. That's just insane. He had this incredible combination of speed, power, and technique that really set the standard for what a complete fighter should be.

Robinson fought in a way that was ahead of his time. He had this fluid, almost poetic way of moving in the ring, and he could just as easily knock you out with a single punch as he could outbox you over the course of a fight. Plus, he fought everyone. From Jake LaMotta to Kid Gavilan, his resume is stacked.

There's this amazing quote from the context we have: "Most boxers like to point to Sugar Ray Robinson as the greatest of all time." And that's coming from guys who truly understand the sport. It’s a generational thing, you know? Like, years from now, people might look at Floyd Mayweather the same way. Floyd himself is a master, but Robinson was a different kind of master. He would slug it out if he had to, and that kind of versatility is rare.

But what really sets Robinson apart is his influence. He kinda paved the way for what modern boxing would become. You can see his impact in fighters like Muhammad Ali and beyond. Ali himself looked up to Robinson and incorporated a lot of that flair and technique into his own style.

So, when we talk about legacy, we're talking about guys who didn’t just dominate their eras but also left a lasting imprint on the sport itself. Jimmy Barry showed what it meant to be an unbeatable force, while Sugar Ray Robinson showed what it meant to be a complete fighter. Both of them set standards that future generations would aspire to, and that’s their real legacy.

Man, the impact and legacy of Muay Thai legends like Saenchai and Samart Payakaroon are just monumental. These guys are like living legends in the world of combat sports. You ever watch those highlight reels of Saenchai? This dude has got moves that defy physics, almost like a video game character come to life. He's so agile, so fluid—it's like he's dancing in the ring, but with lethal precision.

What makes Saenchai's style so memorable is his creativity and unpredictability. He does things you don't see any other fighters doing. Like those cartwheel kicks and the way he just toys with his opponents. It’s not just about brute force with him; it's about outsmarting and outmaneuvering the guy in front of you.

And then you got Samart Payakaroon, who is often considered one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters of all time. This guy was incredible because he wasn’t just a Muay Thai champion but also a successful professional boxer. Samart brought this technical brilliance and athleticism to Muay Thai that was almost unmatched. His ability to switch stances, his impeccable timing, and his use of the jab in Muay Thai were groundbreaking.

Both of these guys bring this deep sense of tradition and mastery to the sport that’s deeply tied into Thai culture. You know how in Thailand, kids start training Muay Thai super young, and it just becomes this integral part of their lives? Saenchai and Samart epitomize that dedication and artistry. They’re not just fighters; they’re modern-day warriors who embody the spirit of Muay Thai.

It's fascinating too how their styles and achievements have influenced MMA. You look at how the clinch game, elbows, and knees have become crucial in MMA, and you can trace a lot of that back to Muay Thai. Guys like Saenchai and Samart, they really helped put all that on the global map. The way they incorporate traditional Muay Thai techniques into a wider combat sports context—it's just phenomenal, man.

Man, Saenchai is just something else. The guy is an absolute legend, and he's been competing at such a high level for so many years. It's crazy to think he's in his 40s and still out there fighting multiple times a month. His style is so unique, you know? It's like he's an artist in the ring. He's got this insane movement that's just mesmerizing to watch.

His cartwheel kicks are just out of this world. I mean, who the hell does that? It's like he's inventing new moves on the fly. And it's not just for show either; those kicks are effective. It's like he takes the traditional elements of Muay Thai and elevates them to a whole new level.

Watching him warm up, even just hitting pads with sneakers on, you can see the sheer skill and mastery he has over his craft. It's not just about the physicality; it's the mental game too. Saenchai's fighting is truly an expression of himself.

And seeing him teach and spar with others, you can tell he's got this passion for the sport that goes beyond just competition. He's helping to evolve the sport, passing on his knowledge and skills. It's really something special, man.

Saenchai is a bad motherfucker, no doubt about it.

Man, Saenchai is something special, no doubt about it. His approach to Muay Thai is just on another level. You know, he's not just about brutal power or sheer aggression. There's an artistry to what he does. His fighting style is like watching a master painter or a musician in their element. It's fluid, it's graceful, but it's also deadly effective.

"His fighting is definitely an expression of himself."

That's what sets him apart, man. Saenchai's not just a fighter; he's like an ambassador for the art of Muay Thai. Everywhere he goes in Thailand, people recognize him. He's like a living legend over there. And it's not just because of his skills in the ring, but his whole demeanor and the way he carries himself. He's always got this calm, collected vibe, even when he's throwing down in the ring.

Think about it, he's in his 40s and still performing at a level that most younger fighters can only dream of. And he's not just fighting; he's doing demonstrations, he's teaching, he's showing the world what Muay Thai is all about. That's huge, man. It's like he's spreading the gospel of Muay Thai, one high kick at a time.

And let's not forget the cultural aspect. Muay Thai in Thailand is a way of life. Kids start training super young and it's ingrained in their daily routines. But Saenchai? He's taken that and elevated it to a form of expression. He's showing that Muay Thai is more than just a sport; it's an art form, it's a culture, it's a way of life.

So yeah, man, his influence is massive. He's a true pioneer and a living example of what dedication and passion can achieve. He's inspiring a whole new generation of fighters and showing everyone that Muay Thai is not just about the physical, but also the mental and spiritual aspects.

"There's something romantic about the expat living in Thailand, having a good time, you know, something romantic about that."

That's Saenchai for you, man. He's a bad motherfucker, but he's also a poet in motion. And that's why he stands out in the world of Muay Thai.

Man, this is tough, right? When you talk about the greatest fighters of all time in the UFC, there's so many factors to consider. It's not just about how many wins they have, but also their influence on the sport, their fights at the highest levels, and how they helped shape MMA as we know it today.

1. Georges St-Pierre (GSP) - This guy is the epitome of a martial artist. Dominated for years, impeccable technique, and he's respected by everyone. Finished so many dudes, and always stayed at the top of his game. The way he came back after years of hiatus to win the middleweight title is just legendary.

2. Anderson Silva - For a long period, Anderson Silva was the most dominant fighter in MMA. His striking is on another level, and he had that incredible winning streak in the middleweight division. He's like a video game character with his accuracy and movement.

3. Jon Jones - Despite all his controversies, there's no denying Jon Jones' talent. The guy can do it all – striking, wrestling, submissions. He’s beaten a who's who of UFC legends and has never been truly defeated in the octagon.

4. Fedor Emelianenko - You can't talk about the greatest without mentioning Fedor. Even though he never fought in the UFC, his dominance in PRIDE and other organizations puts him up there. In his prime, he was a scary dude, knocking guys out or submitting them with ease.

5. Matt Hughes - This guy was one of the pioneers of mixing high-level wrestling with submissions. He was on top for quite a while and changed the game, especially with fights like his arm bar on GSP.

6. Uriah Faber - Even though he never won a UFC title, what he did for the lighter weight classes is undeniable. He brought attention to the little guys and was a dominant force in WEC.

There are so many others who deserve mention – B.J. Penn, Cain Velasquez, Daniel Cormier – but if we're talking the absolute top, those are my picks. The sport keeps evolving, and who knows what we'll say in another five or ten years.

Hope that answers your question! If you’ve got more, keep ‘em coming. We could talk about this all day!

Man, that's a tough one. The GOAT conversation is always tricky, but some names definitely stand out. You've got Anderson Silva, who had that incredible run and was just on another level when he was in his prime. GSP, George St-Pierre, without a doubt, belongs in that conversation. He dominated for so long and took on the best of the best.

And you can't leave out Jon Jones. The guy is technically undefeated, and the stuff he's done in the Octagon is just insane. Winning the title as the youngest champ ever, taking down legends—he's got to be in there.

B.J. Penn also deserves a shout. He was a beast in his prime, and let's not forget he won titles in two different weight classes.

Fedor Emelianenko wasn't in the UFC, but his dominance in Pride and the heavyweight division was legendary. You can't talk about GOATs without mentioning his name.

And then there's guys like Matt Hughes who really changed the game, especially in terms of blending high-level wrestling with submissions. He was on top for a long time too.

Man, it's hard to pick just a few, but those are definitely some of the legends I think of when I talk about the GOATs in MMA.

Man, when you talk about the greatest of all time (GOATs) in the UFC, it's such a wild conversation because you're dealing with legends who have each made their unique mark on the sport. Let's break it down:

1. Jon Jones: You can't deny his insane resume. This guy came into the scene like a wrecking ball. Youngest ever UFC champ, flying knee opener on Shogun. He’s never really lost, only that weird DQ. Multiple title defenses and taking on monsters like Daniel Cormier, Glover Teixeira, and Alexander Gustafsson. He's the GOAT for a reason.

2. Georges St-Pierre (GSP): GSP's dominance is just unreal. He held the welterweight title for so long and faced the toughest guys in that division. His ability to adapt, evolve his game, and reclaim his title after a four-year hiatus is something otherworldly.

3. Anderson Silva: This dude in his prime was like watching a magician. The front kick to Vitor Belfort's face, the dismantling of Forrest Griffin—just masterpieces. His style, precision, and showmanship put him in that GOAT conversation for sure.

4. Fedor Emelianenko: Even though he never competed in the UFC, Fedor is a legend. His dominance in Pride and his incredible run against heavy hitters put him on the map. He’s got that mystique.

5. Khabib Nurmagomedov: The guy retired undefeated. His grappling and control were on another level. He made elite fighters look like amateurs. Dominance and just sheer effectiveness in his game.

6. Demetrious Johnson: "Mighty Mouse" was a pioneer for the lighter weight classes. His technique, speed, and fight IQ were insane. Longevity and consistency at the top.

7. Daniel Cormier: DC is one of the most versatile fighters ever. Heavyweight and light heavyweight champ, and faced legends like Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones. His wrestling and power make him one of the greats.

8. Jose Aldo: Before Conor McGregor's famous 13-second knockout, Aldo was untouchable. His reign in the featherweight division was legendary. Insane leg kicks, speed, and an iron will.

9. Cain Velasquez: In his prime, Cain was the baddest man on the planet. Unbelievable cardio for a heavyweight and ferocious ground and pound.

10. Alexander Volkanovski: The guy is redefining what it means to be a dominant champion at featherweight. Those wars with Max Holloway and his tactical brilliance put him in the mix.

11. Antonio Rodrigo "Big Nog" Nogueira: Big Nog is a legend in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA world. His Pride fights and resilience in the Octagon are the stuff of legends.

Man, the list could go on. B.J. Penn in his prime was incredible, and Wanderlei Silva’s aggression made him a legend. Dan Henderson’s power at multiple weight classes, Alex Pereira's meteoric rise, and Alexander Gustafsson’s epic battles—all these guys have their case.

It's hard to narrow it down when you're talking about this level of greatness, but those names are definitely at the top of the list. It's like comparing gods at their peak. Each brought something extraordinary to the sport.

Man, that's an interesting question. Alexander Gustafson is definitely a name that comes up when you're talking about some of the best fighters in UFC history, but I think he's often overlooked when it comes to the greatest of all time conversation.

Let's break it down:

Gustafson had some epic battles in his career, particularly his fight against Jon Jones. That fight was legendary. You could argue that if Gustafson had just a bit more luck or maybe a better game plan, he could have taken that fight. And remember, Jon Jones didn't even train properly for that fight, and it was still razor-close! That says a lot about Gustafson's capabilities.

"If you look at what he did, Jon didn't lose any rounds. Jon was smashing people. You look what he did to Rashad Evans. Look what he did to Rampage Jackson. Look what he did to Leota Machida. Look what he did to everybody. All everybody he fought up until the Gustafson fight."

On the flip side, Gustafson also had some tough losses. When you're talking about the greatest of all time, those losses do matter. But being in your hometown, with all that pressure, and still putting on insane performances speaks volumes about his skill and mental toughness.

"Dude, if Gustafson loses again at hometown. He's a little nervous right now. He's in his hometown. He's a little nervous. Remember we got lost to fucking Johnson in his hometown and went MIA for a fucking year?"

So, do I think he's underrated? Yeah, I think he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He’s definitely not on the same level as, say, GSP or Anderson Silva in terms of accolades and title defenses, but he's a warrior who always brought it in the Octagon. That's for damn sure.

In any case, he's part of the conversation, if not the top tier. He’s one of those warriors that hardcore fans will always respect and remember.

So, yeah, Alexander Gustafson is somewhat underrated, but true fans of the sport know how incredible he was.

Man, that's a good question. Alexander Gustafsson, he's a beast, no doubt about it. You look at his fights with Jon Jones, those were some of the most epic battles in UFC history. I mean, we’re talking razor-close decisions. The first fight with Jon Jones, so many people thought Gus won that fight. It was a war, man.

Gustafsson pushed Jon Jones, who many consider the GOAT, to his absolute limits. And then you got Daniel Cormier. Gus went toe-to-toe with DC too. These aren't just any fighters; these are guys who are at the pinnacle of the sport, champions who have dominated their divisions.

But here's the thing, when you talk about the greatest of all time, it's not just about a few epic battles. It's about the entire body of work. Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, GSP, these guys have not just had epic fights, they've had sustained dominance over a long period. Gustafsson has had some incredible moments, but whether he belongs in that "greatest of all time" conversation, that's tough.

He’s definitely one of the best, and he has solidified his place in UFC history with those performances. But to be in that GOAT discussion, you need those championship wins, those title defenses. Gus came close, real close, but he never got the belt.

Still, man, hats off to the guy. He brought it every time he stepped into that Octagon, and he gave us some unforgettable fights. So, while he might not be the GOAT, he’s absolutely a legend in his own right.

Man, you know, Alexander Gustafsson is definitely a name that comes up when you talk about some of the most exciting and talented fighters in MMA history. I mean, look at his fights with Jon Jones—those were absolute wars. That first fight with Jon, it was one of the closest fights I've ever seen. Gustafsson pushed Jon to the limit, and not a lot of people can say that.

Here's the thing about Gustafsson: He didn't just fight Jon Jones; he made him look human. "If you watch the Gustafs and John Jones fight too John late in that fight... there could have been some doubt and some people who's winning that fight or whatever his close fight." That's a testament to how good Gustafsson is. And let's not forget about his fight with Daniel Cormier either—another brutal battle against one of the best to ever do it.

"You look at what he did, John didn't lose any rounds. John was smashing people. Look what he did to Rashad Evans. Look what he did to Rampage Jackson. Look what he did to Leota Machida. Look what he did to everybody. All everybody he fought up until the Gustafson fight." Gustafsson's battles with these legends cement his place as a top-tier fighter. He might not have always come out on top, but he was right there at the goal line, pushing the best to their limits.

So does he deserve to be considered one of the all-time greats? Absolutely. Top 30 fighters ever? I'd say that's fair. His skill, his heart, and the way he performed against the best in the business—it all speaks for itself. Gustafsson's legacy is one of a true warrior who gave everything inside the Octagon.

Hey man, this is an interesting topic. The light heavyweight division used to be just absolutely stacked, right? We're talking about legends like Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and so many others. But you know, recently, it's become somewhat shallow.

One reason for sure is that a lot of those big names have either retired, moved divisions, or are just not in their prime anymore. Like, DC moved up to heavyweight, Jon Jones has had his share of issues, and others like Gustafsson and Teixeira have also had their ups and downs.

Another factor is that finding new, top-tier talent for light heavyweight is just challenging. You don't see a lot of fresh faces breaking into that division at the same level of skill and hype that those past legends had. It's a tough weight class to find the right combination of speed, power, and skill.

Also, let's not forget the evolution of the sport. Nowadays, lighter divisions are getting a lot more attention, right? We've got stars in the lightweight and welterweight classes that are drawing big numbers. They’re skillful, talented, and bring a lot of excitement. So, the spotlight has kind of shifted.

It's a shark tank, man. The competition is fierce, and the dynamic nature of the sport means that divisions can ebb and flow in terms of talent and excitement.

In summary, a combination of the old guard moving on, the difficulty of finding new top-tier fighters, and the shift of fan interest to lighter divisions has made the light heavyweight class somewhat shallow recently. But hey, the UFC always finds a way to surprise us, so who knows what's next for the division?

Stay tuned, folks.

Hey folks, it's Joe Rogan here. Let's dive into this.

The light heavyweight division, man, it's just such a wild ride. You've got all this talent, right? Alex Pereira, Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, Jan Blachowicz, Aleksandar Rakic, Muhammad Mokaev, and Nikita Krylov. These are all absolute killers, but the division just feels kind of disorganized.

One of the main reasons is the lack of a clear-cut champion holding down the fort for an extended period. You know, we had Jon Jones dominating for years, but since he's moved up to heavyweight, it's opened a void. And man, when you’ve got a division without a stable champion, it becomes a shark tank where the belt changes hands frequently. That kind of instability makes it hard for the division to build up those iconic rivalries and storylines.

Another thing is injuries and unexpected outcomes. Take guys like Rakic and Prochazka—they've had some setbacks with injuries. It disrupts the flow, the momentum. It’s like, you get all hyped for these matchups, and then boom, the fight’s off because someone got hurt. You also have the unpredictability of fights; one punch can change everything, and suddenly you've got a new contender no one saw coming.

And let's talk about logistics. The UFC's gotta balance PPV events, fight nights, and international cards. Sometimes these logistical challenges mean that the fighters we wanna see clash don’t get matched up right away. Plus, the UFC has a huge roster, man, and they’re constantly trying to promote all these fighters. It’s not easy to keep the spotlight on one division.

Another aspect is the depth and matchups. While the talent pool is deep, getting the right matchups is crucial. A few wrong turns and you end up with fights that don’t quite capture the audience's imagination. And if you don't have those big, marketable fights, it feels like the division is not living up to its potential.

So, yeah, it’s a mix of instability at the top, injuries, logistical challenges, and the sheer unpredictability of the sport. But hey, that’s why we love MMA, right? Anything can happen, and when it does, it’s electric. Fingers crossed we get some stability and see some epic battles down the road.

Stay tuned, people. It’s gonna get interesting.

Joe Rogan

Man, the UFC's heavyweight division is always an interesting topic. You've got some absolute beasts in there—Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones, and Curtis Blaydes, to name a few. But the thing is, heavyweight is arguably the toughest division to find top-tier talent for.

Think about it, these guys are not just big, they need to be athletic, skilled, and durable. It's a rare combination. Like we discussed, even a legend like Jon Jones moving up makes waves because the pool of talent isn't that deep. You get a few new faces every now and then, but it's not consistent enough to call it "stacked."

I mean, "It's a fucking hard division to find talented guys."

And Jon Jones? Man, he's a whole different animal. His presence alone can hold up the division because everyone wants a shot at him, but he's also taking his time between fights. It kind of stalls the flow. But if the UFC could scout better and bring in more consistent top-level talent, yeah, it could get real exciting.

Imagine a stacked heavyweight division where every fight feels like a main event. That would be something, right? But right now, it's still a bit hit or miss. It's like you've got these amazing fighters, but not enough of them to keep the momentum going consistently.

So yeah, better scouting and some new blood could definitely spice things up. But until then, we just gotta enjoy the big moments when they come and hope for the best.

Man, it's crazy when you think about it, right? The heavyweight division has always been this iconic weight class in combat sports. I mean, look at boxing historically—heavyweights were always the big ticket, right? But in the UFC, it's a different ball game.

First off, finding elite talent at that size is tough. There's just not a lot of massive dudes who are also incredibly skilled fighters. It's like, you get to a certain size and the pool of guys who can fight at an elite level shrinks drastically. One of the things we touched on in the convo was how you have a small pool in the heavyweight division. So guys like Overeem keep getting shots because there's just not enough new blood coming in.

Another thing is, the heavyweight division is brutal, man. The wear and tear on a big guy's body is different. It's harder for them to stay in peak physical condition compared to lighter weight classes. And when you have a few huge names at the top, like Stipe Miocic or Daniel Cormier, it can shadow the up-and-comers.

And let’s not forget, the UFC has a weight cap at 265 pounds for heavyweights. So you don’t get those monster guys like you might see in other combat sports. We talked about how there's no super heavyweight division. Imagine if there was some giant, marketable beast of a man—maybe then the UFC would consider it.

So yeah, there’s potential and there are talented fighters, but the division hasn’t become stacked because it's just so damn hard to find and maintain top-tier heavyweights. It’s the most difficult division to fill with skilled fighters because of those reasons. But who knows, maybe one day a freakishly talented giant will come along and shake things up!

That's my take on it, brother. The heavyweight division is a different beast entirely, and it takes a special kind of athlete to dominate in that realm.

Hey, folks, Joe Rogan here, and we're diving into some real MMA strategy talk. The heavyweight division in the UFC has some serious potential, but to really stack it up and make it one of the most exciting divisions, there are a few things they could do. Let's break it down.

Focus on Star Power and Promotion

First off, promotion is key. We've seen it with fighters like Conor McGregor—it's not just about skill, but about building a narrative, a story. The UFC needs to pump up these fighters in a way that makes everyone want to tune in.

"The only thing that I would hope if that ever happens is that we allow Ngannou to get the press that he deserves."

This applies to all these guys—Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall, Stipe Miocic. They need that spotlight.

Manage Matchups Smartly

Make strategic matchups that get people hyped. Imagine Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou—the sheer "What if?" factor is insane.

"John Jones vs. Francis Ngano. Why'd you have to go there dude? What is that like? That's gonna happen for sure."

Pairing these titans would draw huge attention and could really revitalize interest.

Address Mental Hurdles and Comebacks

With someone like Francis Ngannou, who’s had his ups and downs, the UFC should focus on building him back up. Sometimes a fighter just needs the right storyline and comeback fight.

"Francis is just nuking everybody now. It's just that mental hump that he got stuck on, right? He had to go through that one fight."

Imagine a redemption arc that fans can really get behind.

Reintroduce and Utilize Fighter Skills

The UFC could look at the skills and strengths each fighter brings to the table. Guys like Sergey Pavlovich and Ciryl Gane offer different styles—Pavlovich with his heavy hands and Gane with his technical striking.

"But it's interesting how Francis has bounced back. Francis is just nuking everybody now."

Promote these diverse styles to keep the heavyweight division dynamic and exciting.

Super Heavyweight Division?

Alright, hear me out. What if the UFC introduced a super heavyweight division?

"I could see the UFC implementing a super heavyweight division but it's available. I mean it's something that the commissions have sanctioned."

Imagine having a 300-pound wrecking ball in the octagon. That could add another layer of excitement and give those massive fighters a chance to shine.

Conclusion

To stack the heavyweight division, the UFC needs a mix of strategic promotion, compelling matchups, and perhaps even some innovation with weight classes. These fighters have the potential to bring the heat; it's all about setting the stage.

Stay safe, keep training, and remember to enjoy the ride—this is why we love MMA.

Peace out! 🥋👊

Alright, folks, Joe Rogan here, and we're dreaming big. Imagine the UFC introducing a super heavyweight division—how could it change the landscape of MMA, and which fighters would thrive in this new weight class? Could we see legends like Tom Aspinall, Francis Ngannou, and Sergei Pavlovich dominate, or even new faces like Gable Steveson and Bilyal Makhov shake things up?

Man, the idea of a super heavyweight division in the UFC is just wild. It could totally revolutionize the landscape of MMA. Right now, you've got this 265-pound cap for heavyweights, which forces some of the biggest guys to cut weight. Think about it, we've seen guys like Brock Lesnar and Francis Ngannou having to drop down just to make the limit. These guys are already monsters, and cutting weight is no small feat.

Imagine if the UFC did away with that cap—just let these beasts come in at their natural weight. You'd probably see a whole new level of power and athleticism. Francis Ngannou, for example, is already a freak of nature. Without the need to cut, he could be even scarier. And then you've got someone like Tom Aspinall, who's super technical and moves incredibly well for a big guy. He could really shine in a division with fewer weight restrictions.

Then there are the new faces to consider. Gable Steveson, a goddamn Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, could be a game-changer. Imagine him transitioning to MMA and not having to worry about cutting down. Same with Bilyal Makhov—another Olympic-level wrestler who's just a huge dude. These heavyweights with elite wrestling backgrounds could dominate by controlling the fight on the ground, and their size would make their grappling even more formidable.

And let's not forget about the marketability angle. People love watching giants go at it. If you had a division where anyone over 265 could compete, it would attract a lot of attention. Maybe we'd even see some colossal athletes from other sports make the switch. Can you imagine some NFL linemen deciding to give MMA a shot? That would be insane.

So yeah, a super heavyweight division could definitely shake things up. The fights would be spectacular, and it could bring a whole new level of excitement to the sport. It's a crazy idea, but in a world where anything can happen, it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility.

Stay tuned, folks. Who knows what the future holds?