According to Joe Roganthe blueprint for dominant defeat UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is simple in theory, but virtually impossible in practice: you have to be an Olympic-caliber wrestler.
In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experiencethe commentator dissected Chimaev’s wrestling dominance, especially after the champion’s title-winning performance against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319. “To deal with that level of wrestling, you need someone who is an Olympic-level wrestler,” Rogan said, highlighting the huge gap between Chimaev and the rest of the division.
A display of unparalleled dominance
Rogan’s analysis was backed up by staggering statistics about Chimaev’s victory. ‘Borz’ executed 12 eliminationslanded 529 strikesand collected an overwhelming amount 21 minutes and 40 seconds control timecompletely neutralizing a powerful champion in du Plessis.
This performance reinforced a pattern. Even elite wrestlers like Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman have ultimately fallen short against Chimaev’s relentless pressure and chain wrestling. “He finds the gaps and just overwhelms you,” Rogan explained. “It’s a different level of wrestling in MMA right now.”
The road back: surgery, Ramadan and a title defense
Currently, Chimaev is on the sidelines of his recovery from surgery and the timeline for his return is starting to take shape. The champion has confirmed he plans to defend his middleweight crown after Ramadan in 2026.
His main target is the number two in the division, Nassourdine Imavov. Chimaev has already issued a public challenge, questioning Imavov’s wrestling credentials. “If he wants this fight, he has to work on his wrestling,” said Chimaev, who exuded confidence in his own superior skills.
Eyes on a historic super fight
In addition to a mandatory defense, Chimaev’s ambitions are even grander. He has repeatedly expressed interest in a superfight against the light heavyweight champion Alex Pereirawho himself is aiming for a move to heavyweight.
A clash between the sport’s most feared striker and its most dominant wrestler would be a blockbuster. For now, Chimaev needs to heal and take care of business at 185 pounds. But as Joe Rogan made clear, whoever faces him next will need very specific world-class skills to survive, let alone win.
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