Rogan says Chimaev's plan to fight Prochazka at LHW hurt him vs. Strickland

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.