According to Joe Rogan, the blueprint to beating dominant UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is simple in theory but near-impossible in practice: you need to be an Olympic-calibre wrestler.
On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the commentator dissected Chimaev’s grappling dominance, particularly after the champion’s title-winning performance against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319. “To deal with that level of wrestling, you need somebody who’s an Olympic-level wrestler,” Rogan stated, highlighting the vast gap between Chimaev and the rest of the division.
A Display of Unmatched Dominance
Rogan’s analysis was backed by staggering statistics from Chimaev’s victory. ‘Borz’ executed 12 takedowns, landed 529 strikes, and accumulated an overwhelming 21 minutes and 40 seconds of control time, utterly neutralising a powerful champion in du Plessis.
This performance reinforced a pattern. Even elite grapplers like Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman have ultimately fallen short against Chimaev’s relentless pressure and chain-wrestling. “He finds the gaps and just overwhelms you,” Rogan explained. “It’s a different level of wrestling in MMA right now.”
The Road Back: Surgery, Ramadan, and a Title Defence
Currently sidelined recovering from surgery, Chimaev’s timeline for return is taking shape. The champion has confirmed he intends to defend his middleweight crown after Ramadan in 2026.
His primary target is the division’s number-two contender, Nassourdine Imavov. Chimaev has already issued a public challenge, questioning Imavov’s wrestling credentials. “If he wants this fight, he needs to work on his grappling,” Chimaev stated, oozing confidence in his own superior skillset.
Eyes on a Historic Superfight
Beyond a mandatory defence, Chimaev’s ambitions are even grander. He has repeatedly expressed interest in a superfight against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who is himself targeting a move to heavyweight.
A clash between the sport’s most feared striker and its most dominant wrestler would be a blockbuster. For now, Chimaev must heal and handle business at 185lbs. But as Joe Rogan made clear, whoever stands across from him next will need a very specific, world-class skillset just to survive, let alone win.
