Rogan Questions Chimaev’s Wrestling Edge as UFC 328 Buildup Gets Testy
Strickland’s takedown defense has become the focal point heading into a tightly managed fight week.
Overview
- Khamzat Chimaev is set to defend the UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland on May 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark.
- Joe Rogan said Chimaev struggles with opponents who have elite wrestling, pointing to Sean Strickland’s 76% takedown defense and Chimaev’s 55% takedown accuracy.
- Rogan highlighted Chimaev’s short-notice bout with Kamaru Usman, noting Chimaev went 4-for-12 on takedowns and that Usman rallied late in the third round.
- Khamzat Chimaev acknowledged that an Olympic wrestling champion could beat him in a mat match and said MMA is a different sport, as he prepares for a debut with the Real American Freestyle promotion that has not yet been dated.
- Dana White canceled a planned face-off due to rising tension, and Jon Anik said he welcomes the friction as security planning increases for fight week.