UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland – Rogan Warns Against Pre-Fight Face Off
The buildup to ‘s UFC 328 main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland is proving to be as compelling as the fight itself promises to be. The bout, set to accept place at the Prudential Center in Newark, Latest Jersey, will see Chimaev defend his middleweight title against the former champion Strickland, a matchup that has quickly ignited a fierce rivalry.
While many within the UFC fanbase anticipated Nassourdine Imavov as the next challenger to Chimaev’s title, the promotion opted for Strickland, a decision seemingly aimed at maximizing viewership and capitalizing on the existing animosity between the two fighters. Chimaev, currently boasting an unblemished 15-0 MMA record, secured the belt last August with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319, but has yet to return to the octagon for a title defense.
The narrative surrounding this fight is particularly intriguing given Strickland’s recent trajectory. Despite a prior defeat to Du Plessis, Strickland rebounded with a TKO stoppage of Anthony Hernandez in February, earning him this unexpected title shot. His record stands at 30-7-0, showcasing a seasoned veteran capable of disrupting even the most dominant forces in the division.
Adding another layer to the anticipation is the increasingly heated rhetoric between Chimaev and Strickland. Their verbal sparring has been consistent in the months leading up to the fight, suggesting a deeply personal and competitive dynamic. This animosity has even prompted concerns about potential pre-fight altercations, leading to discussions about security measures.
Joe Rogan, the popular UFC commentator and podcast host, recently voiced his concerns regarding the promotion’s new pre-fight face-off initiative, particularly in the context of this volatile matchup. Speaking on his Fight Companion podcast, Rogan warned against the potential for a physical confrontation, referencing Strickland’s provocative comments towards Chimaev. “That’s a great fight,” Rogan said. “No, you can’t do it (the pre-fight face offs), yeah, you can’t do that. (Strickland) called (Chimaev) a goat f—–… But how solid did (Strickland) look against Fluffy (Anthony Hernandez). He looked tremendous.”
Rogan highlighted Strickland’s demanding-to-read striking style and resilience, while also acknowledging Chimaev’s grappling prowess. “He’s also so hard to hit, he does so many sneaky things on the feet that people don’t see coming and he keeps coming. He keeps teeping you, but Khamzat can strike too… The best strategy (for Khamzat) is to drag him to the ground.” Rogan also noted Chimaev’s potential motivation to deliver a more decisive performance following a previous fight against Du Plessis that some considered uneventful.
Dana White, the UFC CEO, even acknowledged the potential for heightened security needs, jokingly suggesting they would require more than usual to keep the two fighters separated. This acknowledgment underscores the genuine tension surrounding the event and the possibility of a volatile encounter even before the opening bell.
Beyond the main event, UFC 328 features a compelling undercard. A rematch between Jan Błachowicz and Bogdan Guskov is scheduled, following a majority draw in their previous encounter at UFC 323 in December. The fight promises to be a rematch of an entertaining contest, though neither fighter was able to secure a clear victory in their first meeting. A lightweight bout between King Green and Jeremy Stephens has been added to the card, with Green coming off a recent upset TKO win and Stephens returning to the promotion after a bare-knuckle boxing bout.
The stakes are undeniably high for both Chimaev and Strickland. For Chimaev, it’s about solidifying his reign as middleweight champion and continuing his undefeated streak. For Strickland, it’s an opportunity to reclaim the title and prove that his victory over Hernandez was a sign of a resurgence. The clash of styles, combined with the personal animosity, sets the stage for a captivating main event that is sure to draw significant attention from MMA fans worldwide.
As the date approaches, the focus will intensify on the preparations of both fighters and the potential for further escalation in their rivalry. UFC 328 is shaping up to be a pivotal event in the middleweight division, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for the future of the title picture.