A new chapter in Islam Makhachev’s UFC career is set to begin.

After a dominant rule over the lightweight division, where he followed in his fellow countryman and mentor’s footsteps, Makhachev now has the chance to achieve something that the great Khabib Nurmagomedov did not attempt.

In the main event of UFC 322 this Saturday, Makhachev will challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title. Victory would see the Dagestani become the latest double champion in the sport’s leading promotion, just a few months after Ilia Topuria last secured the feat.

The main talking point leading up to the event in New York City is how much size will factor into the result of Makhachev’s first foray into the Octagon at 170 pounds.

Joe Rogan, however, is seemingly among those not expecting a difficult adjustment for the challenger.

Joe Rogan predicted Islam Makhachev could ‘easily’ move up to welterweight over a year before UFC 322

In fact, Rogan suggested that the transition from lightweight to welterweight would be ‘easy’ for Makhachev during a 2024 episode of his podcast, featuring the man Della Maddalena unseated from the throne this past May.

After getting insight into the Dagestani’s size and strength from Belal Muhammad, the longtime UFC color commentator expressed confidence in Makhachev’s ability to succeed up at welterweight if he were to choose that path.

And more than just size, Rogan named Makhachev’s striking development as another factor that would be in his favor. That figures to play a key role in how the UFC 322 main event plays out on November 15.

“That’s what I hear,” Rogan said when Muhammad described Makhachev’s strength as that of a 250-pound fighter.

“So he’s losing roughly 30 pounds to make ’55? He’s big. That is about as big as you can get and keep doing that.

“Easily,” he added, referring to if the then-lightweight champ could move up to welterweight. “He’s got real power now on his feet, which is a new addition over the last X amount of years.

“His standup has gotten elite. … He’s the most complete fighter on the roster.”

Makhachev ultimately did decide to pursue a fresh challenge at 170 pounds, and comments from the likes of Nurmagomedov and coach Javier Mendez would suggest he has adjusted to the heavier weight extremely well in training.

Joe Rogan makes his commentary return at UFC 322

Rogan will have the chance to watch welterweight Makhachev up close at Madison Square Garden.

The renowned podcaster only works domestic pay-per-views these days, meaning he was absent when UFC 321 took place in Abu Dhabi late last month.

But the veteran color commentator will be back cageside at Madison Square Garden, making his first appearance since UFC 320 in Las Vegas on October 4.

Rogan will commentate on UFC 322 alongside Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier, with Megan Olivi serving as the event’s roving reporter.