Joe Rogan has thrown his support behind Khamzat Chimaev, declaring that the rising star deserves the next shot at the UFC middleweight title following his impressive victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. Chimaev’s first-round submission of Whittaker has sparked discussions about the future of the middleweight division, particularly regarding who will challenge reigning champion Dricus du Plessis next.
- Joe Rogan labels Khamzat Chimaev a “scary ass motherf*cker” after his win.
- Chimaev submitted Robert Whittaker in the first round at UFC 308.
- Sean Strickland, previously considered next in line, may face competition for the title shot.
- Dricus du Plessis’ coach has expressed interest in a Chimaev matchup.
Chimaev’s Dominant Performance
Khamzat Chimaev showcased his grappling prowess during the co-main event at UFC 308, where he faced former champion Robert Whittaker. Chimaev, who remains undefeated with a record of 14-0 in MMA and 8-0 in the UFC, made quick work of Whittaker, securing a rear-naked choke that resulted in a submission victory just minutes into the fight. This performance has left fans and analysts alike buzzing about his potential as a title contender.
Rogan, who watched the fight live on his podcast, expressed his astonishment at Chimaev’s skills, stating, “Once he gets a hold of you, it’s so dangerous. He ran through him and strangled him in the first round. He might be the guy.”
The Title Shot Debate
The middleweight title picture has become increasingly complicated following Chimaev’s victory. UFC CEO Dana White had previously indicated that Sean Strickland would be the next challenger for Dricus du Plessis, who recently reclaimed the title. However, Chimaev’s performance has led many to question whether Strickland’s claim to the title shot is still valid.
- Sean Strickland’s Recent Fight: After losing his title to du Plessis by split decision at UFC 297, Strickland rebounded with a win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302. He has since stated he will not fight again unless it is for the title.
- Chimaev’s Rising Star: Chimaev’s ability to finish fights quickly and decisively has made him a fan favorite and a serious contender in the middleweight division. His recent victory over Whittaker has only solidified his status as a top contender.
Coach’s Comments and Future Matchups
Dricus du Plessis’ coach, Morne Visser, has publicly stated that they want Khamzat Chimaev as the next opponent for the title, potentially setting up a showdown on February 8 at UFC 312 in Sydney. This announcement has added fuel to the fire regarding the title shot debate, as many believe Chimaev deserves the opportunity to challenge for the belt.
Du Plessis himself congratulated Chimaev on social media, but also issued a warning, stating that he is prepared to deliver Chimaev his first professional defeat.
Conclusion
As the middleweight division continues to evolve, Khamzat Chimaev’s recent performance has undoubtedly made him a key player in the title picture. With Joe Rogan and other prominent figures in the MMA community backing him for a title shot, fans are eagerly awaiting the UFC’s next move regarding the middleweight championship.
Sources
- Joe Rogan backs Khamzat Chimaev for next UFC middleweight title shot, MMA Junkie.
- Joe Rogan backs Khamzat Chimaev getting title shot against Dricus du Plessis after UFC 308 victory: “That guy’s a scary a** motherf***er”, Sportskeeda.
- Joe Rogan: ‘Scary Motherf*cker’ Khamzat Chimaev Deserves UFC Title Shot, MMA News.
