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Ilia Topuria convinces Joe Rogan to break his one UFC rule for blockbuster clash with Islam Makhachev

Originally posted on HITC | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 2:55 AM ET

Ilia Topuria’s star power was already undeniable, but UFC 317 may have been the night he truly arrived as the sport’s new force.

The unbeaten Spaniard exuded confidence all week, and when the Octagon doors closed, he backed it up in style. Topuria finished Charles Oliveira inside one round before facing off with Paddy Pimblett to tease what could be a blockbuster title defence.

Among those impressed was Joe Rogan, who said Topuria’s performance might even be enough for him to break his long-standing rule on international events.

Joe Rogan considers returning to international events to see Topuria fight, especially against Islam Makhachev

Joe Rogan hasn’t called fights for international events in several years, sitting out overseas pay-per-views while focusing on North American shows.

But the idea of a homecoming event for Topuria in Spain – especially if it involved Islam Makhachev – has the veteran commentator intrigued.

“I might have to go to Spain. I might have to go to Spain… I’ve always wanted to go to Spain anyway. Let’s go to Spain. I mean, Islam and him in Spain – come on,” Rogan said during the UFC 317 broadcast.

Topuria has often spoken about his desire to bring the UFC to Spain, ideally at Real Madrid’s stadium. But he hasn’t been keen on fighting at an early hour to accommodate the US broadcast schedule.

And while the fan support for an event in Spain is strong, there are logistical hurdles to consider.

Red flags raised about the possibility of a UFC event at the Bernabeu

At his post-fight press conference, Dana White said the promotion is still interested in going to Spain but admitted it’s “not even an option right now.”

Reporter Rodrigo Del Campo González posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Real Madrid’s home ground is currently restricted to football events due to noise violations from previous concerts, with over €2.5 million in fines already issued.

Bernabeu can’t host anything but football at the time, they’re having really bad permit issues with the city and the neighborhood. They remodeled in part to do concerts, they were able to host some but paid over 2.5 million Euros in fines for noise violations. https://t.co/Acdlf5FBFf
— Rodrigo Del Campo González (@RodDelCampo) June 29, 2025

Whether or not the UFC makes it to Spain, Topuria’s next fights will have no trouble attracting interest. His growing list of potential challengers ensures he will remain in the spotlight, wherever the Octagon sets down.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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