Joe Rogan isn't counting Sean Strickland out in UFC 328 title fight against Khamzat Chimaev: "He has a legit chance"
Joe Rogan cautions those who believe Khamzat Chimaev will pitch a shutout against Sean Strickland on Saturday.
Chimaev is scheduled to put the UFC Middleweight Championship at stake in the main event of UFC 328 in Newark. It’ll be the first title defense for “Borz.” Strickland is looking to become a two-time 185-pound titleholder under the UFC banner. While Strickland is known for his forward pressure and his cardio, Chimaev has been as automatic as it gets in the grappling department.
Still, Rogan believes that Strickland is very much a live underdog going into UFC 328. The longtime color commentator discussed the title fight on “The Joe Rogan Experience” (via MMAMania).
”Strickland is one of the best fighters on planet Earth — so is Khamzat,” Rogan said. “But Strickland is also a legitimate world champion. He’s a guy who’s accustomed to five-rounders. He’s got phenomenal cardio. He’s one of the hardest guys to hit in the sport. One-hundred percent, he has a shot. (He has) underrated grappling. Listen to me as an expert, allegedly: He’s got some of the best takedown defense in the game, underrated grappling. Strickland has a legit chance.”
There have been some heated words and threats exchanged between both the champion and the challenger entering fight week. UFC CEO Dana White has said there will be extra security in an effort to ensure that nothing gets physical before Saturday. Chimaev and Strickland have threatened to take their business to the streets. Strickland has even threatened to shoot Chimaev and members of his team if they plan to jump him before the fight.
Hopefully, cooler heads prevail and nothing will jeopardize the UFC 328 main event.
Do you think Sean Strickland can pull off the win over Khamzat Chimaev this weekend, or will the result be in favor of the champion? Sound off in the comments below.
