Islam Makhachev believes Sean Strickland could present far more problems for Khamzat Chimaev than many fans expect ahead of their UFC 328 showdown this weekend.
While Chimaev enters Saturdayās title fight in Newark as a sizeable betting favorite, the reigning UFC welterweight titleholder suggested the matchup may become much more complicated if Strickland can survive the early grappling exchanges and force “Borz” into deep waters.
During a recent interview with Red Corner MMA (via Championship Rounds), Makhachev explained that Chimaevās success may ultimately hinge on whether he can consistently keep Strickland grounded.
āItās going to be a good fight,ā Makhachev said. āI have already told my teammates that if Khamzat manages to get takedowns, itās going to be a very easy fight. But if it goes all five rounds, then he would have to work really hard.ā
Islam Makhachev Believes Sean Stricklandās Ability To Stand Back Up Could Change The Fight
Makhachev pointed to the key difference between Strickland and former champion Dricus du Plessis, whom Chimaev defeated to capture the middleweight belt at UFC 319.
āUnlike it was with Dricus du Plessis, who was lying on his back and couldnāt get up, I think Strickland will be working his way up, getting up and fighting back,ā Makhachev said.
āI mean, the guys who worked with him at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas say that heās constantly trying to get up from the ground.ā
Stricklandās durability and defensive grappling have become major talking points heading into UFC 328. Despite competing professionally 37 times across MMA, the former middleweight champion has never been submitted in his career.
The outspoken American enters the fight with momentum after scoring a knockout victory over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston back in February. Since joining the UFC, Strickland has compiled a 17-7 promotional record, earning notable wins over Paulo Costa, Israel Adesanya, and Nassourdine Imavov.