Podcast host Joe Rogan shared his opinion that Khamzat Chimaev has not yet faced serious opposition in terms of wrestling skills. The comment sparked debate among fans about whether Chimaev has been properly tested against top-tier grapplers in his UFC career. Rogan's assessment raises questions about the level of wrestling competition Chimaev has encountered so far. The post invited fans to weigh in on whether Rogan is correct in his evaluation. Details about which specific opponents or matchups Rogan referenced were not provided in the post.
Podcast host and longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan has sparked a fresh debate by claiming that middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev has yet to face a truly elite-level wrestler during his UFC career. Rogan made the assessment on his podcast, though specific opponents or matchups he had in mind were not detailed in the report.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," carries a 15-1 record and currently sits as the number-one ranked middleweight in the UFC, also appearing at number ten in the pound-for-pound standings. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, has built his reputation on a suffocating blend of wrestling and physicality. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he averages an imposing 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, pairs that with 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute, and posts a striking accuracy of 60 percent — a combination that has overwhelmed most opponents he has faced.
Rogan's argument appears to center on the idea that despite those numbers, the quality of wrestling opposition Chimaev has met has not yet provided a true litmus test for that side of his game.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked middleweight and a likely title challenger, so questions about gaps in his resume carry real divisional weight
- A high-level wrestler matching Chimaev's grappling credentials could expose whether his dominance holds against elite competition
- The debate may influence how fans and analysts evaluate any future matchmaking at 185 pounds
