Joe Rogan fears Khamzat Chimaev could suffer another injury

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Khamzat Chimaev is set to try and get back on track in a different sport next month.

The former UFC middleweight champion is coming off his first loss in MMA, having been beaten by Sean Strickland at UFC 328.

Chimaev’s last fight was back at UFC 328 where he suffered his first defeat in the promotion against Sean Strickland.

Joe Rogan concerned about Khamzat Chimaev’s injury risk ahead of RAF 10

Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC

During a recent podcast episode, Joe Rogan weighed in on what might be next for Khamzat Chimaev.

Brendan Schaub suggested that Chimaev should take a page from Arman Tsarukyan’s playbook and become a more active grappler.

Rogan wasn’t so sure about that path. “I don’t know if he’s interested in doing that,” he replied.

“Here is my fear. There was a recent event that was a very weird event.

“I don’t know who did it, but it was kicks to the legs, punches to the body, and jiu-jitsu. It was weird.”

He then brought up Gleison Tibau, who got injured during an awkward takedown attempt.

“So that could happen to f—— anybody… Wrestlers blow their knees out all the time. It’s just part of the craziness of explosive movement.”

Khamzat Chimaev pushes for rematch with Sean Strickland

After UFC 328, Khamzat Chimaev initially told Dana White he’d be moving up to light heavyweight.

Since then, the 15-1 Russian has shifted his focus, using social media to push for a quick rematch.

According to Chimaev’s brother, they’re aiming to get another shot at Sean Strickland before the end of 2026.