Joe Rogan offered an explanation for Khamzat Chimaev's poor performance against Sean Strickland at UFC 328. Rogan suggested that Chimaev may have been negatively affected by attempting to bulk up in preparation for a potential light heavyweight title fight with Jiri Prochazka, only to then cut back down to middleweight. Prior to the Strickland bout, rumors had circulated about a Chimaev versus Prochazka matchup at light heavyweight, which was even confirmed by Chimaev's sparring partner Khalil Rountree in an interview. Rogan believes this weight fluctuation could have played a significant role in Chimaev's underwhelming showing.
Joe Rogan has offered a theory for why Khamzat Chimaev looked far from his best during his middleweight bout against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9, pointing to a disruptive weight management situation as the likely culprit.
Chimaev, known by the nickname "Borz," entered the fight ranked first at middleweight and tenth on the pound-for-pound list. The 32-year-old from the United Arab Emirates carries a record of 15-1 and is one of the division's most physically imposing fighters, standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach. He averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 60 percent of his significant strikes, making him a rare combination of wrestling dominance and precise striking.
Rogan's explanation centers on reports — confirmed by Chimaev's sparring partner Khalil Rountree in an interview — that Chimaev had been bulking up to prepare for a potential light heavyweight matchup with Jiri Prochazka, only to reverse course and cut back down to middleweight for the Strickland fight. Rogan believes that dramatic weight fluctuation may have sapped Chimaev's performance on fight night.
Standing across the cage was Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion. The 35-year-old American, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, holds a 31-7 record and is one of the busiest strikers in the sport, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach. Strickland's volume and pressure style have made him a difficult puzzle for any opponent, regardless of circumstances.
Prochazka, who sits ranked second at light heavyweight, carries a record of 32-6-1. The 33-year-old Czech fighter is listed at six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach and averages 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him a credible and dangerous target for any prospective light heavyweight challenger.
Why it matters
- A weight-cut explanation, if accurate, raises questions about Chimaev's divisional future and whether a move to light heavyweight remains on the table
- Rountree's confirmation of the Prochazka camp rumor adds credibility to Rogan's theory
- The loss hands Strickland a significant middleweight title defense and muddies the path forward for the division's top contender
Saturday, May 9, 2026
