Joe Rogan offered an explanation for Khamzat Chimaev's performance against Sean Strickland at UFC 328, suggesting that Chimaev's preparation was compromised by plans to bulk up for a potential light heavyweight bout with Jiri Prochazka. According to Rogan, this could have played a significant role in Chimaev's struggles against Strickland. Prior to the Strickland fight, there had been widespread rumors and reports—confirmed by Chimaev's sparring partner Khalil Rountree in an interview—that Chimaev was preparing for Prochazka at 205 pounds. Rogan believes this attempt to gain mass may have negatively impacted Chimaev's performance when he had to fight Strickland at middleweight instead.
Joe Rogan has put forward a theory explaining why Khamzat Chimaev struggled against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9, pointing to a reported plan for Chimaev to bulk up and fight Jiri Prochazka at light heavyweight as a key factor in his middleweight performance.
Rogan's argument centers on the idea that Chimaev's attempt to add mass in preparation for a potential 205-pound bout disrupted his conditioning and readiness when the fight with Strickland at middleweight came around instead. The suggestion carries weight given that Khalil Rountree Jr., who served as a sparring partner for Chimaev, confirmed in an interview that preparations for a Prochazka fight at light heavyweight had indeed been underway.
Sean Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, came in at 31-7-0 and has built his reputation on relentless volume striking, averaging 6.04 significant strikes landed per minute. The 35-year-old American out of Xtreme Couture carries a 76-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance, making him a durable and technically grinding opponent for anyone who arrives less than fully prepared.
Prochazka, the second-ranked light heavyweight contender, holds a record of 32-6-1 and presents a genuinely compelling stylistic target for a fighter looking to test himself at 205 pounds. The 33-year-old Czech standout out of Jetsaam Gym Brno is six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach and averages 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him one of the division's most dangerous offensive fighters.
Why it matters
- The claim suggests Chimaev's camp was simultaneously managing two divergent weight strategies before UFC 328
- Rountree, currently ranked seventh at light heavyweight, provided direct confirmation of the Prochazka preparation
- The theory raises broader questions about how Chimaev's divisional ambitions may shape his middleweight title picture going forward
Saturday, May 9, 2026
