Joe Rogan explains the one reason he knew Sean Strickland could upset Khamzat Chimaev

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Joe Rogan explains the one reason he knew Sean Strickland could upset Khamzat Chimaev

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Donagh Corby | Last updated May 26, 2026 9:22 AM ET

Joe Rogan has detailed how knowing Sean Strickland’s tenacity and heart was enough to always give him a chance to reclaim his belt.

Prior to UFC 328, nobody had ever beaten Khamzat Chimaev in the cage and he was a massive favorite against Strickland. The American was twice defeated by Dricus Du Plessis, who had been dethroned with ease by the Chechen champion.

Most viewers gave Strickland next to no chance against Chimaev, but Rogan was confident that it was a serious possibility. And he was not surprised when the massive upset came in, having seen similar instances throughout his years.

Joe Rogan explains Sean Strickland’s key championship trait

On paper, there is no one particular skill that makes Sean Strickland such a top fighter at middleweight. He has been viciously knocked out on the feet by Alex Pereira and outgrappled by Jared Cannonier, with Dricus Du Plessis also beating him out in two gutsy showings.

However, Joe Rogan explained to Tom Segura in the latest episode of his podcast that Strickland has an unquantifiable heart that makes him a constant danger at the top level. And coupled with Chimaev’s history of health issues, it made for the upset that ultimately took place earlier this month in Newark.

“I thought it could happen that way,” Rogan replied when asked how unpredictable it actually was. “Ari [Shaffir] was arguing with me on Protect Our Parks [his podcast with Shaffir, Shane Gillis and Mark Normand]. He’s like, ‘you always say that when someone doesn’t have a chance, you always hype it up.’

“Like, I think Strickland can win this fight because Strickland is insanely durable. He’s scary because he doesn’t go away. He’s not going to get tired. He doesn’t go away. He’s tough as s—. He was abused when he was young, so he’s angry.

He is dangerous and he’s super skillful, very hard to hit. And he fought in one with a blown out shoulder. He f—ed his shoulder up like the week of the fight. Like did something bad.

“He f—ed it up and he doesn’t even know what it was, but he couldn’t use it right. I could tell when he was warming up before the fight started.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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