Joe Rogan believes Khamzat Chimaev can thrive in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. The middleweight star spent most of his early career competing at welterweight. Recently, he set his sights on facing the best 205-pound fighter in the world, Alex Pereira. After defeating Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, Chimaev called out the light heavyweight champion, sparking a fiery back-and-forth on social media between the two athletes.
Rogan Backs Chimaev’s Move Up
Rogan acknowledges that jumping 20 pounds from middleweight to light heavyweight carries challenges. He says Chimaev must respect the weight increase to succeed in a third division. “I think he can do it,” Rogan said on his podcast. “He can succeed if he adds weight carefully and takes his time. He is tall, and wrestling and grappling gaps matter when facing elite fighters. Taking on someone like Dricus [du Plessis], a skilled striker, requires full preparation. Chimaev is a strong grappler and talented in jiu-jitsu, but levels vary. To compete with top opponents, you need Olympic-level wrestling.”
Rogan on the UFC White House Event
Rogan criticized former President Donald Trump’s plan to hold eight or nine title fights at the UFC White House card. He called the idea a “travesty” if one MMA legend is missing. Rogan urged UFC president Dana White to set aside past issues with Jon Jones, who canceled a $30 million fight with Tom Aspinall before retiring and then unretiring after learning about the June 14 event. “Skipping Jon Jones at the White House would be a travesty,” Rogan said. “They must make it happen. Dana says, ‘You can’t count on him.’ You absolutely can. At the White House? That’s exactly where it belongs!”
