Joe Rogan believes we may see Khamzat Chimaev suffer his first MMA loss at UFC 328. The UFC middleweight champion has looked close to perfect during his 15-0 career, but Rogan sees a path to victory for the underdog.

Rogan Compares Strickland to Conor McGregor

Joe Rogan excitedly talked about the UFC 328 headliner during the latest episode of his podcast. The UFC commentator compared Sean Strickland to Conor McGregor while explaining why he is capable of beating Khamzat Chimaev.

"Sean has talked so much shit," Rogan began. "He's a wild dude, and that shit talking that he does is emotional warfare.

"It's like what Conor used to do. What Conor did with Jose Aldo, he had him so fucked up before that fight, he was just so emotional. Aldo was a legend. Nobody talked shit about him. Everybody was terrified of him. By the time the fight happened, Aldo was just so worked up, and Conor was just super relaxed and smiling."

Rogan Breaks Down Strickland's Skills

Rogan then detailed why Strickland is a legitimate threat to the undefeated champion.

"Strickland is one of the best fighters on planet Earth," Rogan said. "Strickland is a legitimate world champion, he's accustomed to five rounds, he's got phenomenal cardio, and he's one of the hardest guys to hit in the sport.

"Listen to me as an expert, allegedly, he's got some of the best takedown defense in the game and underrated grappling.

"Strickland has a legit chance. I'm telling you he can win."

Rogan Defends Against Underdog Bias Claims

Rogan's passionate support of Strickland drew skepticism from one of his podcast guests, Ari Shaffir, who accused Rogan of always favoring the underdog.

"Can I just say this as someone who's heard you talk about this for years, you give it up more for the person you think is not gonna win," Shaffir said. "You didn't say that about Khamzat here, you went straight into don't count out the underdog."

Rogan fired back at his long time pal.

"No, I'll say that eventually if you give me a chance, you fucking blabbermouth," Rogan replied. "Khamzat can absolutely win, he dominated top competition, he's the best grappler at 185 pounds. Strickland can win this fight. It's not saying he's going to win."

UFC 328 Commentary Team Announced

The fifth numbered event of 2026 and of the Paramount+ era is rapidly approaching, with UFC 328 taking place Saturday at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Details of who will be working as commentators and analysts for the show have been acquired by MMA Junkie.

Cageside Commentators

Jon Anik will serve as the leading man on the mic from cageside at UFC 328. He will command play by play alongside color commentators and UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier and the esteemed Joe Rogan. Din Thomas will serve as a coach analyst throughout the broadcast.

Desk Analysts

The UFC 328 broadcast and post fight show will be hosted by Kate Scott. She will be joined at the desk by former middleweight champion Chris Weidman and former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier. Cormier will join for Friday desk coverage, while Thomas sits in with Scott, Weidman and Poirier on Saturday.

Octagon Announcer

The most famous octagon announcer in history will do his thing once again at UFC 328 as legendary Bruce Buffer will introduce the fighters.

Roving Reporter

UFC correspondent Megan Olivi will serve as correspondent to conduct pre and post fight interviews backstage with some of the athletes on the UFC 328 card, as well as report additional real time updates for the event.

Weigh-In Show

Dan Hellie will host the official UFC 328 weigh in show on Friday at 8:50 a.m. ET. He will be joined by Cormier, Weidman and Laura Sanko.

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UFC 328 Broadcast Info

The UFC 328 main card streams on Paramount+ for U.S. residents and airs on pay per view internationally starting at 9 p.m. ET. The preliminary card is slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. ET and streams on Paramount+.

Full UFC 328 Main Card (9 p.m. ET on Paramount+)

185 lbs. Title: Khamzat Chimaev (c) vs. Sean Strickland

125 lbs. Title: Joshua Van (c) vs. Tatsuro Taira

275 lbs.: Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes Acosta

170 lbs.: Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley

155 lbs.: King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens

UFC 328 Prelims Card (5:30 p.m. ET on Paramount+)

185 lbs.: Ateba Gautier vs. Osman Diaz

185 lbs.: Roman Kopylov vs. Marco Tulio

125 lbs.: Clayton Carpenter vs. Jose Ochoa

185 lbs.: Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Djorden Santos