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Is Khamzat Chimaev vs. Strickland the Fight to Make? Rogan Thinks So

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Fahad Hamid | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 9:39 AM ET

The UFC’s middleweight division is a chaotic mess right now, and honestly, we’re here for it. With the undefeated monster Khamzat Chimaev now sitting on the throne after dismantling Dricus Du Plessis, the question on everyone’s mind is simple: who’s next for “Borz”? The logical answer might seem to be Nassourdine Imavov, who just put on a show against Caio Borralho in Paris. But this is the UFC, and logic often takes a backseat to dollar signs and drama.

Enter Joe Rogan, the UFC’s resident fight philosopher, who threw a wrench into the whole situation on a recent episode of his “JRE Fight Companion.” While discussing the middleweight landscape, Rogan brought up the one name guaranteed to stir the pot: Sean Strickland.

Yeah, that Sean Strickland. The guy who says whatever pops into his head, carries a grudge like it’s a championship belt, and just happens to be one of the biggest stars in the division. According to Rogan, Strickland’s star power might be enough to let him jump the line and get the first crack at Chimaev.

Strickland’s Controversial Path Back to a Title Shot

Let’s be real for a second. On paper, Strickland’s claim is a bit shaky. He lost his belt to Dricus Du Plessis and hasn’t fought since. So, how on earth could he leapfrog a guy like Imavov, who is on a hot streak? Rogan‘s logic is all about the Benjamins.

“Who is the big star behind these guys now, behind Imavov?” Rogan mused. “Strickland is the biggest star, for sure. I wonder if he can get right back in there like that?”

It’s a classic UFC dilemma: merit vs. marketability. Imavov has the wins and the momentum. He just went to war with Borralho and proved he belongs at the top. But does he have the same pull as Strickland? The guy who has a long-standing feud with Chimaev and has been calling him out nonstop? Probably not. The trash talk and animosity between Strickland and Chimaev would sell pay-per-views like crazy, and Dana White loves nothing more than a heated grudge match.

Strickland already holds a win over Imavov, a fact his supporters love to bring up. It was a short-notice fight at light heavyweight back in 2023, but a win is a win. That little detail gives the UFC the perfect excuse to book Chimaev vs. Strickland, leaving Imavov out in the cold.

Does Imavov Stand a Chance in This Popularity Contest?

Nassourdine Imavov is doing everything right. He’s winning fights, looking impressive, and calling for his shot. After his victory in Paris, he made it clear he believes he’s next. “For me, there is no discussion that I’m going to fight for the belt,” he declared. And he has a point. He’s beaten top guys and has shown a well-rounded skillset that could, in theory, cause problems for anyone, including Chimaev.

Even Israel Adesanya, a man who knows a thing or two about striking, believes Imavov could be a genuine threat to Chimaev. Izzy pointed to Imavov’s solid takedown defense and relentless cardio as potential keys to disrupting the Chechen’s wrestling-heavy game.

But is that enough? We’ve seen this movie before. A deserving contender gets pushed aside for a bigger name with more social media followers and a knack for creating headlines. Imavov doesn’t have a personal beef with Chimaev; he just wants the title. In the modern UFC, that might not be enough. His best hope might be the outcome of the upcoming clash between Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez, which also has title implications. If that fight ends in a spectacular finish, the winner could throw their own name into this already crowded hat.

The Bottom Line: Money Talks

At the end of the day, the UFC is a business. While we all love a good meritocracy, the promotion is going to make the fight that generates the most revenue. Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland is a promoter’s dream. It’s a clash of personalities, styles, and has a built-in narrative of bad blood.

It’s a tough pill to swallow for Imavov, who has earned his shot the old-fashioned way. But in the circus that is the UFC, sometimes you have to be the loudest clown in the room, not just the most skilled acrobat. Rogan knows this, and his suggestion, while frustrating for purists, is probably a depressingly accurate read of the situation. Get ready for a whole lot of unhinged press conferences if Strickland gets his way.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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