Rogan: skip the staredown
Joe Rogan warned the UFC against staging a traditional staredown between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland ahead of UFC 328, saying the tension could escalate into an incident — a reminder promoters must balance hype with fighter safety (telecomasia.net). The comment landed amid heated buildup and shows broadcast personalities are influencing how the promotion stages face‑offs. (x.com).
UFC 328 is scheduled for May 9, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (ufc.com) The main event will see Khamzat Chimaev defend the UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland, a matchup Dana White announced on March 12, 2026. (mmajunkie.usatoday.com) The UFC’s event page lists the card as available on Paramount+ with the main card slated to begin at 9:00 PM EDT and ticket presales opening in late March 2026. (ufc.com) Multiple MMA commentators and analysts have publicly flagged the heated build-up to this matchup and urged extra caution around promotional events; analyst Din Thomas warned the buildup could get “real ugly.” (msn.com) Fan channels and social posts circulated claims that a face‑off or staredown had been canceled ahead of the event, but the UFC’s official listings continue to show the fight on the May 9 card and include no posted cancellation notice. (youtube.com) (ufc.com) Major fight outlets and the UFC’s official pages continue to cover the matchup and logistical details while reporting on the promotional tensions surrounding the fight. (cbssports.com) (mmajunkie.usatoday.com)
