Joe Rogan makes surprise pitch for Khamzat Chimaev’s first title defense following UFC Paris

Joe Rogan makes surprise pitch for next middleweight title fight

Both 185lb contenders were riding extremely impressive win streaks heading into their main events, and it seemed inevitable that the winner would separate themselves from the rest of the middleweight pack.

And after five extremely hard fought rounds, the French contender Imavov had his hand raised and was awarded the unanimous decision, extending his win streak to five in a row.

Although it seemed as though this win would secure him a shot against ‘Borz’ next, UFC commentator Joe Rogan has made a surprising pitch.

“Well, who else then? Who’s getting Khamzat next? It really depends what (Reinier De Ridder vs Anthony Hernandez) looks like, right, because this was a f—— war,” Rogan said during a Fight Companion episode.

“Interesting, who is the big star behind these guys, behind Imavov… Who’s the big star other than him (that could leapfrog him)? (Sean Strickland) is the biggest star, for sure.

“I wonder if he can get right back in there like that. Does he go right back into a title shot or does he have to fight somebody? He had staph infection (against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312),” Rogan continued as he flirted with the idea of Chimaev vs Sean Strickland.

The former middleweight champion, Strickland, lost his last outing in a rematch against Dricus Du Plessis, and hasn’t fought since, making a fight against Chimaev next unlikely.

Will Nassourdine Imavov get the next middleweight title shot?

After such a comprehensive performance in Paris, it would seem likely that Imavov fights for the title next.

However, on October 18, impressive contenders Reinier De Ridder and Anthony Hernandez clash in the main event at UFC Vancouver.

With a finish for either fighter in that clash, they could find themselves leapfrogging over Imavov to take on the Chechen champion next.