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Tag: Khamzat Chimaev

  • VIDEO: Khamzat Chimaev Kicks Sean Strickland During Heated UFC 328 Staredown, Security Swarms Stage

    VIDEO: Khamzat Chimaev Kicks Sean Strickland During Heated UFC 328 Staredown, Security Swarms Stage

    Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland nearly turned the UFC 328 press conference into complete chaos on Thursday evening after a heated faceoff ended with the reigning middleweight champion kicking his upcoming opponent in front of a packed crowd in Newark.

    The two middleweights finally came face-to-face publicly for the first time since their long-discussed sparring sessions became a major talking point in MMA circles. But any hopes of a calm press conference quickly disappeared once both fighters walked onto the stage at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House inside the Prudential Center complex.

    Even before taking their seats, “Borz” and Strickland immediately began verbally firing at each other while security personnel positioned themselves closely between the two men.

    The UFC had already increased security measures for the event following days of escalating threats and hostile exchanges between the rivals, with multiple police officers visible throughout the venue.

    Heavy Security Struggles To Contain Chaotic UFC 328 Faceoff

    The tension inside the building continued to rise throughout the press conference as Strickland launched into several profanity-filled tirades directed at “Borz”. The champion repeatedly responded from across the stage while security remained on high alert during the entire presser.

    The atmosphere reached another level once the official faceoffs began.

    As the two fighters squared up for photos following the press conference, Chimaev suddenly kicked Strickland, instantly triggering a swarm of security officers and police who rushed in to separate the pair before the situation escalated further.

    The chaotic scene only added to what has already become one of the UFC’s most volatile fight-week buildups in recent memory. UFC CEO Dana White compared the hostility surrounding the matchup to some of the biggest grudge fights in promotional history.

    Saturday’s UFC 328 main event will see the undefeated Chechen attempt to make the first defense of his middleweight title against the outspoken former champion.

  • WATCH: Heavy Police Presence Seen Ahead of UFC 328 Press Conference Amid Khamzat Chimaev-Sean Strickland Tensions

    WATCH: Heavy Police Presence Seen Ahead of UFC 328 Press Conference Amid Khamzat Chimaev-Sean Strickland Tensions

    Heightened security measures are already visible ahead of the UFC 328 pre-fight press conference as tensions continue to escalate between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland.

    Videos circulating on social media from the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House at the Prudential Center showed an unusually large police presence before Thursday’s press conference even began.

    Additional footage also revealed the UFC seating Chimaev and Strickland noticeably far apart on stage, a clear sign the promotion is taking extra precautions before Saturday’s middleweight title fight in Newark, New Jersey.

    The UFC 328 press conference is expected to feature all four championship fighters from this weekend’s pay-per-view card, including flyweight champion Joshua Van and challenger Tatsuro Taira. But much of the attention has centered on the increasingly hostile feud between Chimaev and Strickland.

    UFC Ramps Up Security Amid Escalating Threats

    The buildup to the fight has taken a darker tone in recent days after both men made alarming comments regarding potential confrontations outside the cage.

    “Borz” previously suggested that he and members of his team could confront Strickland during fight week, while Strickland responded by referencing “stand your ground” laws and implying he would defend himself with a firearm if necessary.

    That exchange appears to have prompted the UFC to significantly tighten security around both fighters throughout the week.

    According to reports from Newark, several uniformed Morristown police officers have been assigned to the event in an effort to prevent any physical altercations before fight night. Extra coordination has also reportedly been implemented whenever Strickland moves through media areas or backstage sections of the venue.

    Strickland recently claimed that his primary concern is not Chimaev himself, but the possibility of being confronted by the champion’s large entourage during fight week.

    Meanwhile, Chimaev hinted that Strickland is staying separately from the rest of the UFC roster, further fueling speculation about how seriously the promotion is treating the situation behind the scenes.

  • Ex-Champ Who Went The Distance With Both Men Explains Why Sean Strickland Could Trouble Khamzat Chimaev At UFC 328

    Ex-Champ Who Went The Distance With Both Men Explains Why Sean Strickland Could Trouble Khamzat Chimaev At UFC 328

    Dricus du Plessis believes a lot of people may be underestimating Sean Strickland heading into his title clash with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328.

    Chimaev enters Saturday’s main event at the Prudential Center in Newark as a sizable betting favorite while preparing for the first defense of the middleweight belt he captured from Du Plessis at UFC 319 last year.

    But despite losing his title to “Borz”, Du Plessis isn’t convinced the matchup is as one-sided as many expect.

    Speaking during an appearance on Fight Forecast, “Stillknocks” explained why he believes the opening round could determine everything.

    “The first round is going to tell us so much about this fight,” Du Plessis said. “I know Khamzat is going to get him down. I’ve taken Strickland down so many times. I know Khamzat is going to get him down, but to keep him there? That’s going to be the big question.”

    Du Plessis Gives Strickland Surprising Edge Over Chimaev At UFC 328

    Having spent extended time inside the cage with both men, Du Plessis offered an unexpected assessment when comparing their physicality.

    “Because Strickland’s ability to get up, the technique he uses, the strength he has. He’s a strong guy, a lot stronger than Khamzat on a physical level,” Du Plessis said. “I think he’s going to surprise some people.”

    The South African believes Strickland’s cardio and defensive style could become major factors if the fight extends beyond the early grappling exchanges.

    “If Strickland gets up two or three times in the first round, it’s not going to get easier with the sweat and the fatigue, trying to keep a guy down that gets up,” he said. “It uses a lot more energy than the guy getting up.”

  • Khamzat Chimaev Fires Back at Conor McGregor’s Middleweight Title Claim

    Khamzat Chimaev Fires Back at Conor McGregor’s Middleweight Title Claim

    Khamzat Chimaev had a quick and pointed response when asked at UFC 328 media day about Conor McGregor’s since-deleted post claiming the middleweight championship being contested on Saturday was his title.

    McGregor had posted on X that Chimaev and Strickland were competing with “my 185lb title on the line,” despite never having competed at middleweight and being absent from the Octagon since July 2021. Chimaev was shown the comment and offered an assessment that covered both McGregor’s claim and his current lifestyle.

    “His belt? He lost his belt 10 years ago, so I don’t know, this guy comes off a little bit drunk or is it Proper something he’s drinking all the time? Come back to normal and work and let’s fight. I don’t care, boxing. I told Zuffa Boxing people think I’m just a wrestler, I don’t need to use my just boxing, I’m an MMA fighter. If I go to the boxing, I’m going to show my boxing, too.”

    McGregor was stripped of his lightweight title in 2018 due to inactivity following his professional boxing match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in August 2017. He awaits an official booking for his return, with a lightweight matchup against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 the most heavily discussed option.

    Chimaev also addressed the possibility of his own future weight class moves when asked about challenging himself at higher divisions. He described a training history that has always included heavyweights and said he has never found the size step to be an issue.

    “Of course, for sure. I’ve always been training with heavyweight guys. I’ve trained most of my time with Alexander Gustafsson, Jimi Manuwa, Gokhan Saki from the beginning of my career and I was fighting 170. I trained with them, sparred with them, never been a problem with weight. I like to eat, have fun in the cage.”

    He also offered an unprompted endorsement of his friend Arman Tsarukyan as someone capable of beating Strickland, should the lightweight contender ever move up to middleweight.

    “Yeah, of course, he can beat him now.”

    UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Sean Strickland Calls Khamzat Chimaev ‘Little Rat’ for Releasing Sparring Footage

    Sean Strickland Calls Khamzat Chimaev ‘Little Rat’ for Releasing Sparring Footage

    Sean Strickland had plenty to say about Khamzat Chimaev’s decision to post a 25-second sparring clip on social media, and none of it was particularly flattering toward the man he will face for the middleweight title on Saturday.

    The clip, which showed the two exchanging jabs in what Strickland described as warmup rounds, was captioned by Chimaev with “I am bullying weak people.” Strickland addressed it directly at UFC 328 media day and made clear the context behind the footage matters significantly.

    “That’s what I’m talking about. The guy’s just a little f***ing rat. One, I didn’t know we were filming. Those are our warmup rounds. You’re just a weak man. You’re just a weak, weak man. It’s like what is the point? We’re light sparring. I mean those shorts are a little questionable on my part. They were Amazon. It was a bad angle.”

    Beyond the clip itself, Strickland pushed back on any suggestion the footage reflects what actually happened between them in the gym. He claimed the two only shared one genuine sparring session and that he repeatedly tried to get more time with Chimaev afterward, only to be turned down.

    “We’ve only sparred once and we did like a three-round spar. We sparred once. I kept telling you this. When I got to a gym, I want to spar the best guy. I want to spar him but he would always just go beat up the lower level guys.”

    Despite the grievances, Strickland acknowledged the fight makes sense given the current state of the middleweight division and described it as a welcome matchup for both parties.

    “I think it’s also a good fight, it’s a fun fight. There’s so many people in the division where it’s like what are the top five? Brendan Allen? He’s his f***ing punching bag. His meat. What else in the top five in the division do you have right now? It’s kind of nice just to get a fresh look, new blood. I think the fight just kind of made sense.”

    UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Tom Aspinall Breaks Down Chimaev vs. Strickland and Gives His Verdict on the Title Fight

    Tom Aspinall Breaks Down Chimaev vs. Strickland and Gives His Verdict on the Title Fight

    Tom Aspinall has weighed in on the UFC 328 main event and the undisputed heavyweight champion is leaning toward Khamzat Chimaev, though he made clear he sees a genuine path for Sean Strickland to pull off the upset.

    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aspinall broke down both fighters before arriving at his prediction.

    “I think this is going to be a good fight, first of all. I think Khamzat, to me, looks pretty unstoppable at the moment with his takedowns and stuff. His striking, obviously he’s very dangerous with his striking as well. I think Sean Strickland probably has a little bit of an edge in the striking department, but Khamzat’s grappling. I don’t know if Sean Strickland will be able to get up off the bottom enough times.”

    He acknowledged the reports about Strickland’s bottom game before identifying the question he believes will define the fight.

    “That being said, I know Sean’s coach. I’ve actually trained with Sean a little bit as well, only a tiny bit, though. But I know a lot of people who are close to him and everyone keeps saying how good he is at getting up off the bottom. So, I think it’s going to be real interesting. The big question for me is like, how many times can he get up off the bottom without getting caught in a submission without getting tired. Khamzat will just rinse and repeat for the full five rounds. If Strickland can come through that, not be exhausted, which he’s never shown any signs of that before in my opinion, and put him on the end of that awkward style that he’s got with striking and really unorthodox stand up, I think there’s definitely a chance for Strickland. But in my opinion I’m leaning a little bit toward Khamzat.”

    When pushed to commit to a pick, Aspinall landed on the champion winning a competitive contest.

    “The verdict is for me Khamzat by decision. I think it will be a little more competitive than the DDP fight, but I think Khamzat by decision.”

    UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • UFC 328 Odds, Picks & Best Bets: Predictions for Every Fight on the Card

    UFC 328 Odds, Picks & Best Bets: Predictions for Every Fight on the Card

    UFC 328 is this week, and we’re that much closer to two title fights, including a heated championship main event. Get the latest betting odds and best bets from MMANews!

    In the main event of UFC 328, the UFC middleweight championship will be on the line as Khamzat Chimaev defends against former champion Sean Strickland.

    Despite some inactivity due to illness during his tenure, Chimaev has been seemingly unstoppable since his memorable 2020 arrival to the Octagon. This is Chimaev’s first defense since winning the championship by defeating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 last August.

    Strickland is 2-2 in his last four but has won five of his last seven, including his finish of Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez at UFC Houston in February. Strickland scored a major upset when he defeated Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title at UFC 293. Strickland, however, dropped the championship to Du Plessis at UFC 297 and lost a rematch at UFC 312.

    The co-main event will see Joshua Van defend the UFC flyweight championship against Tatsuro Taira. This was the planned co-main event for UFC 327 last month, but the bout was delayed to this event after a minor injury to Van.

    Van enters this fight on a six-fight win streak, having an incredible stretch since the middle of 2024. Last year, in fact, saw Van defeat Rei Tsuruya in March, finish Bruno Silva at UFC 316, and take a short-notice bout with Brandon Royval at UFC 317, winning in that card’s Fight of the Night. Van won the title at UFC 323 after Alexandre Pantoja suffered an arm injury 26 seconds into the fight.

    Taira comes into this fight with an 18-1 record. He has rebounded since suffering his first loss by Park Hyun-sung in August and stopping former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno at UFC 323.

    Other UFC 328 main card bouts include Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley, and King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens.

    UFC 328 Betting Odds

    Here are the latest betting odds for UFC 328, as of 12 am ET on May 6, courtesy of DraftKings:

    Early Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5 PM ET)

    • Flyweight: Clayton Carpenter (+145) vs. Jose Ochoa (-175)
    • Middleweight: Baisangur Susurkaev (-675) vs. Djorden Santos (+490)
    • Featherweight: Pat Sabatini (-218) vs. William Gomis (+180)
    • Middleweight: Roman Kopylov (+154) vs. Marco Tulio (-185)

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 7 PM ET)

    • Lightweight: Jim Miller (+250) vs. Jared Gordon (-310)
    • Lightweight: Grant Dawson (-176) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (+140)
    • Welterweight: Joel Alvarez (+160) vs. Yaroslav Amosov (-192)
    • Middleweight: Ateba Gautier (-1350) vs. Ozzy Diaz (+800)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 9 PM ET)

    • Lightweight: King Green (-360) vs. Jeremy Stephens (+285)
    • Welterweight: Sean Brady (-175) vs. Joaquin Buckley (+145)
    • Heavyweight: Alexander Volkov (-166) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (+140)
    • Flyweight Championship: Joshua Van (+140) vs. Tatsuro Taira (-166)
    • Middleweight Championship: Khamzat Chimaev (-575) vs. Sean Strickland (+425)

    UFC 328 Predictions & Best Bets

    Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland: There is a lot of anticipation around this fight, given the heat between the two. Chimaev is trying to get his first successful defense, and Strickland is looking to pull off another upset to become a two-time champ. Strickland may have a 76 percent takedown defense, per UFC Stats, but the numbers in Chimaev’s grappling statistics are beyond those of the normal UFC fighter. And while Strickland has his own grappling abilities, the wrestling style of Chimaev is a whole other level. For all the hype this fight has on it, it’s probably going to be another one-sided bout in Chimaev’s favor; so far, no one has shown they can be a true, credible threat, to be honest. (Prediction: Chimaev) (Best Bet: Chimaev via decision [+300])

    Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira: Van is the champion and has an amazing 2025; however, he’s the underdog given the circumstances of how he defeated Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title at UFC 323. Regardless, he won the fight and has shown skills in the Octagon that state he is one of the best flyweights in the world. Yet, people have been hoping for a Taira title shot for some time, and he got that by finishing Brandon Moreno (not an easy feat) at UFC 323. This is probably a striking vs. grappling matchup, and while Van isn’t popular in fans’ books, I’m leaning to his 81 percent takedown defense being the key difference. He may not stop all of Taira’s attempts, but it’ll be enough to control the fight through most of its duration. The real question is if the winner of this fight will have a chance against a returning, healthy Pantoja… (Prediction: Van) (Best Bet: Van ML [+140])

    Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta: A major heavyweight contender’s battle here. It’s unfortunate for Volkov that he didn’t get a title shot after his title eliminator win over Jailton Almeida, but that’s par for the course with the state of the UFC’s heavyweight division. And now he has to deal with Waldo Cortes-Acosta, one of the only other positive names in the heavyweight division, coming off a 2025 where he went 5-1 and was one of the top fighters of the year. This is one of the fights on this card that can be a coin flip, but the edge will go to Volkov based on his technical striking. That said, don’t be surprised if WCA lands one of his major power shots that turns the fight’s tide in his favor. (Prediction: Volkov) (Best Bet: Volkov via decision [+140])

    Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley: Major top-10 welterweight matchup here, with the winner finding themselves a fight or two away from earning a shot at the gold. Brady may have had a loss to Michael Morales, but Morales is one fight away from a title shot himself — and Brady had previously rebounded from his first loss with three straight wins and two post-fight bonuses. Buckley comes in off his loss to Kamaru Usman, but he had won six consecutive fights before that. This fight comes down to who can control the action first and best. If it’s Brady, he uses his wrestling for the win. If it’s Buckley, it’s a third loss via KO/TKO for Brady. (Prediction: Brady) (Best Bet: Brady via decision [+150])

    King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens: Jeremy Stephens has made a name for himself post-UFC with his work in BKFC. Even then, he and Mason Jones provided a fun bout last year. But Stephens’ record in his last 10 fights is 1-8 (1 NC)! Green, meanwhile, continues to find ways to win at his age and in the state of his career. While this will be a fun battle, I don’t see a way Stephens gets his hand raised. (Prediction: Green) (Best Bet: Green via decision [+110])

    Ateba Gautier vs. Ozzy Diaz: Ateba Gautier’s power has been his calling card, but his last fight showed him facing some adversity. He was able to rock Andrey Pulyaev, but Pulayev gave him some struggle as the fight went the full 15 minutes. While Diaz can be seen as another test, his only UFC performances have seen him get stopped in one round by Zhang Mingyang and earn a decision over Djorden Santos. It’s pretty doubtful Gautier goes two fights in a row without a finish. But given the odds, honestly, stay away from betting this fight. (Prediction: Gautier) (Best Bet: Gautier via KO/TKO/DQ in Round 2 [+450])

    Joel Alvarez vs. Yaroslav Amosov: Yaroslav Amosov had a decent UFC debut at the end of 2025, fending off early pressure from Neil Magny to score a first-round submission. Now the former Bellator champ gets a tougher test in Joel Alvarez, who has won four straight and eight of his last nine fights (though he has just made his welterweight debut in his last bout). This bout probably spends a lot of time on the floor and comes down to who the better wrestler is — and the lean here will be to Amosov. (Prediction: Amosov) (Best Bet: Fight goes the distance [-105])

    Grant Dawson vs. Mateusz Rebecki: From teammates to opponents — Dawson and Rebecki go at it in a Fight of the Night sleeper nominee. Both men don’t have many losses in competition, but Dawson has been stopped twice in his last five fights, and Rebecki has three losses in his last four. Rebecki has power in his fists, but Dawson has the wrestling to counter that — and go toe-to-toe with Rebecki and his jiu-jitsu. This one’s probably going the distance, and the slight edge should go to Dawson, as the odds suggest. (Prediction: Dawson) (Best Bet: Fight goes the distance [-135])

    Jim Miller vs. Jared Gordon: Jim Miller is an absolute legend who can still pull off big finishes, and people would love to see in a firefight. Jared Gordon has the potential to be that kind of fun opponent — but potential has been a word that has kind of plagued Gordon’s career. Gordon has been the victim of bad luck, bad strategy, and getting finished (namely KO/TKOs) in his career. The 37-year-old hasn’t found consistent success in the Octagon since the pandemic era. Many may expect Gordon to have the edge in this one, but don’t be surprised if Miller pressures his way to a win here. This fight might be in the “too close to call” category. (Prediction: Miller) (Best Bet: Fight goes the distance [-160])

    Roman Kopylov vs. Marco Tulio: A Combat Sambo specialist, Roman Kopylov has had his share of highlights in the Octagon, as seen with his last-second knockout of Chris Curtis and his finish of Josh Fremd. Losses to the likes of Paulo Costa and Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues aren’t bad losses. The 35-year-old Kopylov, however, needs to show he can hang with the better middleweight contenders. Tulio scored a finish of Matthieu Duclos on DWCS, then finished Ihor Potieria and Tresean Gore before running into Christian Leroy Duncan. Perhaps a case of too much, too soon for Tulio? (Prediction: Kopylov) (Best Bet: Kopylov ML {+154])

    Pat Sabatini vs. William Gomis: Pat Sabatini has great wrestling and grappling abilities, and that should give him an edge against William Gomis. It helps that Sabatini has been on a roll between his UFC and grappling competitions, with his last two losses coming in 2022 and 2023 against, respectively, Damon Jackson and Diego Lopes. Sabatini has faced stronger competition, is more experienced, and will have the New Jersey crowd behind him (shout-out to Rider University). The only thing in Gomis’s favor here is that he tends to go the distance; his only submission loss was early in his career, in 2016. (Prediction: Sabatini) (Best Bet: Sabatini via decision [+175])

    Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Djorden Santos: This isn’t to say that Baisangur Susurkaev isn’t deserving of being the favorite here. The problem is, the odds reflect this idea of him being the “Next Big Thing” when he didn’t show the greatest offense (albeit still getting finishes) against Eric Nolan and Eric McConico. Djorden Santos has as much experience, but the fight probably plays out the same — Susurkaev either goes too grapple-heavy to the crowd’s dismay or gets himself in trouble, only for him to find the finish later in the fight. The hope here is to see if Susurkaev can show he’s making progress. (Prediction: Susurkaev) (Best Bet: Susurkaev via KO/TKO/DQ in Round 2 [+450])

    Clayton Carpenter vs. Jose Ochoa: Both men need a win here. Carpenter looked good in his first two outings but went 0-2 in 2025, dropping a decision to Tagir Ulanbekov and getting submitted by Jafel Filho. Ochoa is 1-2, but he’s younger, and he’s faced three talented names in Lone’er Kavanagh, Cody Durden, and Asu Almabayev (with the Almabayev fight coming on short notice). No particular strong edge in this fight, but Ochoa is the more (fairly) well-rounded fighter. (Prediction: Ochoa) (Best Bet: Ochoa via decision [+150])

  • Khamzat Chimaev Leaks Sparring Footage of Himself and Strickland

    Khamzat Chimaev Leaks Sparring Footage of Himself and Strickland

    Khamzat Chimaev released a brief clip from his infamous sparring session with Sean Strickland ahead of UFC 328, apparently attempting to reinforce his dominance narrative. Fans had a different reaction.

    The video, posted on social media, shows around 26 seconds of striking exchanges between the two fighters. Chimaev captioned it with a laughing emoji and the message “I am bullying weak people,” a jab at Strickland’s previously reported claim that he prefers sparring with lower-level or younger fighters at the gym.

    The clip drew over 600,000 views but the comment section was not kind. Reactions included “You did absolutely nothing kid. You’re DEAD Saturday,” “You didn’t even land a shot sorry a– bum,” and “Bro you hardly landed one punch.”

    The sparring session between the two has been a major talking point throughout the build to UFC 328. Multiple sources have suggested the striking exchanges were relatively even, perhaps with a slight edge to Strickland, while Chimaev’s grappling was reportedly more dominant once the fight went to the ground. Strickland will be fully aware of what actually happened when they trained together, making the psychological impact of the clip questionable at best.

    It is worth noting that fighters have occasionally released unimpressive training footage deliberately to lower an opponent’s guard. Whether that is the case here or whether the clip simply did not land the way Chimaev intended is a matter of interpretation.

    UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Hints UFC 328 Could Be His Final Middleweight Fight

    Khamzat Chimaev Hints UFC 328 Could Be His Final Middleweight Fight

    Khamzat Chimaev has hinted that regardless of what happens against Sean Strickland on Saturday night, UFC 328 could represent his final appearance at 185 pounds.

    Speaking at a media scrum on Tuesday in Newark, Chimaev was asked about the possibility of moving up to light heavyweight after the Strickland fight. His response was brief, playful, and pointed.

    “I hope so. I like to eat pizza. We will see.”

    The light heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux following Carlos Ulberg’s ACL injury sustained during his title-winning knockout of Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327. Ulberg is not expected to return until 2027, and the UFC has not yet revealed whether it plans to implement an interim title in his absence. Chimaev has spoken previously about his desire to pursue a third divisional title, and his comments on Tuesday only added fuel to that possibility.

    Despite the broader conversation about his future weight class, Chimaev made clear his focus heading into the weekend remains entirely on Strickland.

    “I don’t know. I hope Ulberg gets a fast recovery. We will see. I’m not so much focused on what’s over Strickland. He’s a tough fighter, good fighter, but we take away all this sh*t he’s saying, he’s a good fighter. I just go focus on him, beat this guy, and then we go for the next. It’s always there. It doesn’t matter.”

    UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Former Champ Claims Controversial Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov Could Be In Khamzat Chimaev’s Corner At UFC 328

    Former Champ Claims Controversial Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov Could Be In Khamzat Chimaev’s Corner At UFC 328

    Luke Rockhold has added a controversial layer to fight week ahead of UFC 328, claiming he’s heard talk that Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov could be present in Khamzat Chimaev’s corner.

    “Borz” is set to defend his middleweight title for the first time against Sean Strickland in the main event this weekend at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. But beyond the matchup itself, outside narratives are already shaping the event’s tone.

    Speaking during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Rockhold claimed:

    “It sounds like we might have Kadyrov in his corner, so I think he’s pretty safe within his mindset. We’ll see how it goes. This fight week is gonna be interesting,”

    The former UFC middleweight champion also referenced recent comments from Strickland, adding another unpredictable element to the buildup.

    “Sean was saying he’s gonna bring a gun. I’m not sure if you can bring a gun out there in New Jersey, but they better check it. Sean is not a real threat in the world of what he’s dealt with and who he deals with.”

    Chimaev’s Long-Standing Ties To Kadyrov

    Chimaev’s connection to Kadyrov has been well-documented throughout his career. Following his title-winning performance against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in August 2025, the “Borz” traveled to Chechnya, where he was welcomed by Kadyrov and celebrated in front of a large crowd.

    During the visit, Chimaev was seen handing over his championship belt as they posed for photos together.

    The relationship between the two dates back several years. The controversial leader attended Chimaev’s wedding in 2022, and the pair have frequently been seen training together. However, those ties have also drawn scrutiny, with Kadyrov facing international criticism and sanctions over alleged human rights abuses.

    At one point, Chimaev’s association with Kadyrov reportedly complicated his ability to travel to the United States. Those issues have since been resolved, allowing him to compete freely under the UFC banner.

  • Khamzat Chimaev’s Teammates Were Told Directly Not to Do Anything to Jeopardize UFC 328

    Khamzat Chimaev’s Teammates Were Told Directly Not to Do Anything to Jeopardize UFC 328

    Khamzat Chimaev’s team has been given an explicit instruction heading into UFC 328 fight week: do not do anything that puts the title fight at risk.

    Middleweight contender Brendan Allen, who spent the final three weeks of training camp alongside Chimaev before departing for his own June 6 preparation, shared the message coaches delivered to everyone in the champion’s circle.

    “Khamzat’s team, nor anyone on it that’s part of his entourage or whatever you want to call it, is going to jeopardize that opportunity. I promise you that nobody is going to do anything to jeopardize it. Now if someone approaches them and tries to put hands on them, hey, they’re not responsible for that. But as far as them initiating and starting a problem, I highly doubt that happens. There will be a lot of repercussions for anyone who does that outside of UFC or anything like that. Everyone knows what’s at stake and like the coaches said: If you care about Khamzat, you won’t do anything fight week. You’ll let everything be and let Khamzat handle the job how he’s going to handle it come fight night.”

    Allen also described how Chimaev and those closest to him are processing Strickland’s ongoing campaign to provoke a reaction, including the gun threats and relentless trash talk.

    “We know Sean’s just going to talk and try to dig deeper and say stupider things and try to get more reckless to try to draw a reaction or make him emotional. I know he knows this. The ones that are the closest to him keep making sure to be repetitive about that. He’s very aware. He’s very mature. He’ll have little comebacks here and there probably, but as long as they don’t put hands on him or try to, I think everything will be just fine. You’ll just hear Sean talk, talk, talk, talk.”

    Allen will not be part of Chimaev’s entourage in Newark this week, having returned to Chicago to prepare for his own fight with Edmen Shahbazyan at UFC Vegas 118 on June 6. He will instead be watching from a distance as a fight week that has already generated unprecedented levels of security concern plays out in New Jersey.

    You can hear more from Allen on The Bohnfire podcast with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn.

    UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, streaming on Paramount+.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Scoffs at Sean Strickland’s Gun Threat

    Khamzat Chimaev Scoffs at Sean Strickland’s Gun Threat

    Khamzat Chimaev is not losing any sleep over Sean Strickland’s pre-fight threats, and he made his contempt for the rhetoric very clear at the UFC 328 pre-fight media scrum.

    Strickland had escalated the already intense rivalry by stating he would be carrying a gun during fight week in case of a physical confrontation with Chimaev or his team. Chimaev responded by dismissing both the threat and the man making it in the same breath.

    “Clowns always talk. He’ll stop being a clown if he’s quiet. He didn’t shoot any chickens in the world, how’s he going to shoot a human?”

    He then addressed the broader scenario of any genuine pre-fight confrontation, making clear he does not believe Strickland has any intention of following through on his words.

    “I don’t think the guy wants a real war outside the cage. If he wanted a real war, he would be dead already. In New Jersey, this is a Muslim community, it’s my home. I don’t think so that he’s going to come with the guns there. Otherwise, it will be a lot of people injured because he’s there.”

    Interestingly, the comment that drew a sharper reaction from Chimaev was not the gun threat at all. It was Strickland’s claim that he dominated Chimaev during their time training together at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, a claim Chimaev flatly rejected while adding some context about the circumstances of those sessions.

    “He never had success with me. It’s not going to be different this time as well. I was fighting at 170 at that time. Imagine I beat him at that weight and I was cutting the weight and that time I beat him. Right now, people know how big I am. How hungry I am. It’s good meat. I like white American chicken.”

    Rather than viewing Strickland’s escalating trash talk as a distraction, Chimaev said he finds it entertaining and actually wants more of it heading into Saturday.

    “I like his talking. He’s good for me. I don’t worry about that I need to talk. He’s talking for everyone. I hope he’s going to talk more. It’s funny to listen to this guy.”

    UFC CEO Dana White has already confirmed that additional security will be in place during UFC 328 fight week in response to the elevated tension between the two camps. UFC 328 takes place May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Former UFC Title Challenger Sounds Alarm Over Khamzat Chimaev’s Potential Move To Light Heavyweight

    Former UFC Title Challenger Sounds Alarm Over Khamzat Chimaev’s Potential Move To Light Heavyweight

    Khalil Rountree Jr. has spent the past few months training alongside Khamzat Chimaev, and the experience has left him with a clear takeaway. If “Borz” ever makes the move to light heavyweight, the rest of the division could be in serious trouble.

    Chimaev is currently preparing to defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328, marking his first defense since capturing the belt in 2025.

    But even before stepping into that fight, the unbeaten champion has openly discussed ambitions of moving up again in pursuit of a second title.

    Khalil Rountree Jr. Sees Major Problems If Khamzat Chimaev Moves Up

    During a recent media scrum, Khalil Rountree Jr. opened up about his time training with Khamzat Chimaev and what it revealed about a potential move to 205 pounds.

    “It’s definitely exhausting,” Rountree said. “It’s exhausting, it’s difficult, it’s humbling. It’s inspiring in a way, too, because his effort and his will, his skill is unmatched. So, when you go up against that, there’s a lot of things that can be said. There’s just a lot of things that can be learned when you truly find yourself going against the best in the world.”

    The former title challenger, who currently sits among the top contenders at light heavyweight, did not hold back when asked about the idea of “Borz” entering the division.

    “I just told you, training with this guy, he’s the best in the world. It’s difficult. It’s difficult in all areas, in standup, in grappling. No one gets an easy round with Khamzat. It doesn’t matter what weight class, what size.

    “That was my initial thought, like, ‘Damn, if he made the move up, we’re all kind of screwed.’ That’s kind of how I look at it.”

  • Sean Strickland Blames UFC for Not Controlling Khamzat Chimaev

    Sean Strickland Blames UFC for Not Controlling Khamzat Chimaev

    Sean Strickland has placed the responsibility for any potential pre-fight confrontation with Khamzat Chimaev squarely on the UFC, warning the promotion that he will not comply with restrictions if he feels they are being applied unevenly between the two camps.

    With UFC 328 on May 9 approaching, the animosity between Strickland and Chimaev has reached a point where Dana White has confirmed that extra security will be in place during media week. Strickland addressed the situation directly on X, making clear he has a specific threshold for what he will accept.

    “The UFC is trying to limit my interactions with the dog. Listen I will say this now. I will not be controlled by a third world dog. If I find there is unequal treatment between our camps I will walk to the lobby and wait for him. Control your whore or don’t. I don’t care. Let the chips fall where they may, this is America.”

    Chimaev’s coach has publicly dismissed Strickland’s gun warning as nonsense, stating he does not believe things will escalate to actual violence, and Chimaev himself has reportedly laughed off the threats. Strickland has previously stated he would draw a weapon if approached by Chimaev and his team in a group setting.

    The situation has drawn comparisons to the post-fight brawl between Khabib Nurmagomedov’s and Conor McGregor’s teams at UFC 229 in 2018, an event the promotion is clearly attempting to prevent from repeating itself.

    UFC 328 takes place May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Darren Till Names Two Fighters Who Could Beat Khamzat Chimaev

    Darren Till Names Two Fighters Who Could Beat Khamzat Chimaev

    Darren Till believes Khamzat Chimaev is beatable, but he does not see anyone in the current middleweight division capable of doing it right now except possibly the man standing across from him at UFC 328.

    Speaking with Full Mount MMA, Till drew on his firsthand experience training with the undefeated champion to offer his most honest assessment of where Chimaev stands heading into his first title defense against Sean Strickland.

    “Anyone’s beatable. He knows that himself. That’s why he trains so hard. He’s not stupid. Right now, with the current state of the middleweight division, I don’t see anyone beating him. Sean’s probably got the chance if that, but in this era now, I think he’s going to be dominant.”

    Till identified a second fighter outside of Strickland who he believes poses a credible threat, while making clear which matchup excites him most.

    “Paulo Costa’s a good fight, because Paulo’s big and strong. I do like that fight as well, I know there’s a big beef there. I think for me the fight that waters my mouth the most is the Sean Strickland fight, and obviously we’re getting that now.”

    Chimaev carries a perfect 15-0 record into UFC 328, which takes place May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Darren Till Says Chimaev Will Dominate Strickland But Issues a Key Warning Before UFC 328

    Darren Till Says Chimaev Will Dominate Strickland But Issues a Key Warning Before UFC 328

    Darren Till is backing his close friend Khamzat Chimaev to defend the middleweight title at UFC 328, but he is not doing so without a candid warning about the risk of playing into Strickland’s hands.

    Speaking with MMA Junkie, Till acknowledged the genuine difficulty of the matchup while ultimately siding with the champion, drawing on firsthand experience training with Strickland to frame the challenge Chimaev faces.

    “I love Khamzat to death. He’s my f***ing boy, but I think he’s got a very tough fight with Sean. I’ve trained with Sean, and he’s got very great defense of getting back to the feet. But if you want me to say it as a whole, I think Khamzat’s on a roll, and I think Khamzat’s going to be way too strong and too powerful for him. But also, I would like Khamzat not to run in there and gas himself out because he is very seasoned and is able to go the five rounds. If I’m giving advice as a friend, that’s what I would say to him.”

    Till laid out a straightforward prediction while emphasizing the importance of patience alongside power.

    “How I see the fight, I see Khamzat dominating. But also go in there with a good, strategical plan. You know what I mean?”

    UFC 328 takes place May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Paulo Costa Calls Out Khamzat Chimaev to Move Up to 205 and Warns It Will Be ‘Tragic’ for Him

    Paulo Costa Calls Out Khamzat Chimaev to Move Up to 205 and Warns It Will Be ‘Tragic’ for Him

    Paulo Costa is not done pursuing a fight with Khamzat Chimaev, and he has a very specific vision for how it should happen.

    Costa moved up to light heavyweight and knocked out the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327, establishing himself as a genuine presence at 205 pounds while keeping his eyes on the middleweight champion. The two have been on a collision course in conversation for some time, but a fight has never materialized, given that Chimaev has remained at 185 pounds.

    Costa’s solution is straightforward: Chimaev should come up to meet him.

    “I just wish he comes to 205,” Costa told Submission Radio. “I’m going to be here with my arms open, waiting for him. This is going to be even worse for him. At 205, I’m a monster. I don’t need to burn any muscle, I don’t need to sacrifice any muscle of my body to make 185. At 205, I have full ‘secret juice’ power. That is going to be tragic for him.”

    The callout is not without logic from Costa’s perspective. Chimaev has discussed the possibility of moving up to light heavyweight at various points, and Costa’s argument is that facing him at 205 would only amplify his own advantages while removing the physical toll that a middleweight cut has historically placed on him.

    Chimaev is currently preparing for his first title defense against former champion Sean Strickland in the UFC 328 main event on May 9 in Newark, New Jersey. The undefeated middleweight champion carries a 15-0 record into the fight, while Strickland is 30-7 and looking to reclaim the gold he previously lost to Dricus du Plessis.

  • UFC 328 Ticket Sales Struggling With Weeks Before Chimaev vs. Strickland

    UFC 328 Ticket Sales Struggling With Weeks Before Chimaev vs. Strickland

    UFC 328 is still two weeks away and tickets are not moving, with the cheapest available seat for the May 9 event in Newark currently sitting at $386 on Ticketmaster.

    Fight Opinion flagged sluggish sales on X, with screenshots showing a significant number of seats still available at Prudential Center. The card features Khamzat Chimaev defending the middleweight championship against Sean Strickland in the main event alongside a flyweight title fight, making the slow uptake difficult to attribute to card quality alone.

    The situation points to pricing as the primary obstacle rather than fan interest in the fights themselves. The Chimaev and Strickland matchup has been one of the most anticipated bouts in the middleweight division given the long-running animosity between the two fighters, and the card is regarded as strong on paper.

    The pattern mirrors what has been playing out across TKO’s broader portfolio. WWE’s WrestleMania 42 drew roughly 18,000 fewer fans over both nights than last year’s edition at the same venue, with rising ticket prices and card quality cited as contributing factors. WWE quietly discounted tickets heading into the show and Pat McAfee announced a flash sale on SmackDown.

    UFC 327 in Miami also saw a significant drop in live gate numbers compared to recent comparable events, suggesting a broader trend across TKO’s live-event business rather than an isolated issue tied to any single card.

    UFC 328 takes place May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Fires Back at Ronda Rousey’s UFC Pay Complaints

    Khamzat Chimaev Fires Back at Ronda Rousey’s UFC Pay Complaints

    Khamzat Chimaev has pushed back against Ronda Rousey’s criticism of UFC fighter pay, arguing that the promotion was fundamental to making her career possible in the first place.

    Chimaev posted a video ahead of his UFC 328 middleweight title defense against Sean Strickland on May 9, taking direct aim at Rousey’s ongoing complaints about compensation during her time with the UFC.

    “There would never have been Ronda Rousey without UFC,” Chimaev stated in the video.

    The comment frames Chimaev’s position clearly: whatever frustrations Rousey has expressed about pay, the platform the UFC provided was the foundation for everything that followed, including her Hollywood career, her WWE run, and her status as the most recognizable name in the history of women’s MMA.

    Rousey has been a consistent critic of the UFC’s pay structure since retiring from competition, and her comments have continued ahead of her May 16 return against Gina Carano at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Netflix. Chimaev’s response adds the voice of the promotion’s current middleweight champion to a debate that has included fighters on both sides.

    Chimaev enters his first title defense with a perfect 15-0 record. UFC 328 takes place May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Luke Rockhold Calls Sean Strickland ‘A Piece of S**t’ While Predicting UFC 328 Title Fight

    Luke Rockhold Calls Sean Strickland ‘A Piece of S**t’ While Predicting UFC 328 Title Fight

    Luke Rockhold is backing Khamzat Chimaev to dominate Sean Strickland at UFC 328, and his reasoning goes well beyond fight analysis.

    The former UFC middleweight champion recently trained with Chimaev and spoke to Adam Zubayraev about the May 9 title fight in Newark, New Jersey, offering his take on both competitors, making his allegiances clear.

    “Sean is effective and he’s scrappy and he hangs in there,” Rockhold said. “Khamzat is so much more talented, it’s about who can relax and implement their game plan the best and Khamzat’s doing everything he needs to and I think he can really have a masterclass.”

    Rockhold then went further, framing the fight not just as a matchup between two fighters but as a contest between two people of very different character in his view.

    “I would love to see him put this f***ing American away,” Rockhold said. “I’m American, but I like good people. Khamzat is a great person, through and through. Sean Strickland, he’s a piece of s**t.”

    Strickland’s popularity has surged on the back of his upset knockout of Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 and his unfiltered public persona, though that same persona has also drawn significant criticism. His social media activity has included offensive posts targeting various groups, including a photoshopped image of himself as an ICE agent ahead of his February win over Anthony Hernandez.

    Rockhold also addressed Chimaev’s mental state heading into the defense compared to his previous run toward the title.

    “I think last time out there was a little bit of tension, he wanted to win the world title,” Rockhold said. “Now he can go out there and be his best and I expect the best from Khamzat.”

    The pre-fight tension between the two fighters has escalated publicly, with Chimaev suggesting a street encounter with Strickland could be dangerous and Strickland responding that Chimaev was the last person in America who should be making threats. Rockhold dismissed the idea that any of that would get inside Chimaev’s head.

    “Piss him off? I doubt that, no. Sean doesn’t roll as deep as my man here, so I think we’re in good hands and a fight’s a fight. You’ve got to play the game.”

  • Arman Tsarukyan Lays Out Khamzat Chimaev’s Master Plan

    Arman Tsarukyan Lays Out Khamzat Chimaev’s Master Plan

    Arman Tsarukyan has laid out an ambitious blueprint for his close friend Khamzat Chimaev’s future, and it goes far beyond defending the UFC Middleweight Championship.

    In a video shared by journalist Adam Zubayraev, Tsarukyan outlined his vision for Chimaev’s career during a candid exchange between the two fighters. The plan starts with UFC domination and ends with a boxing crossover that pits Chimaev against both Jake Paul and Logan Paul, before eventually targeting Floyd Mayweather.

    “Now you need two or three belts,” Tsarukyan said in a translation posted by Red Corner MMA. “You take three belts, then we move to boxing.”

    Tsarukyan then spelled out the boxing targets he has in mind. “Jake Paul, Logan Paul. And then we will pull Floyd Mayweather out of the grave.”

    Winning three UFC titles simultaneously would be unprecedented in the promotion’s history, making Chimaev’s in-cage road alone a historically ambitious undertaking. Chimaev currently holds the UFC Middleweight Championship after his dominant performance over Dricus du Plessis in Chicago last August, with his first title defense scheduled against Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 on May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

    Chimaev has existing connections to the Paul brothers, having trained with Logan Paul in Sweden before reaching UFC fame. Whether the boxing portion of Tsarukyan’s vision ever materializes is a long way off, but the conversation signals how broadly Chimaev’s team is thinking about his long-term trajectory.

    Mayweather, meanwhile, is due to return for a professionally sanctioned rematch with Manny Pacquiao this September at the Sphere in Las Vegas, though that bout has been thrown into doubt by ongoing disputes over whether it will be an exhibition or a sanctioned professional fight.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Signs To Compete In RAF

    Khamzat Chimaev Signs To Compete In RAF

    UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev will be able to use his grappling skills in a new kind of environment, as Chimaev has signed a deal to compete with RAF.

    RAF announced Chimaev’s signing during the RAF 08 broadcast on April 18.

    No opponent, event, or date for Chimaev was named during the announcement.

    Chimaev began wrestling as a youth, going on to win a national youth title in Russia.

    Chimaev won three gold medals in freestyle wrestling at Swedish Nationals. He also holds a win over Jack Hermansson in wrestling.

    Chimaev is scheduled to defend his UFC middleweight championship on May 9 against former champ Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328.

  • Watch: UFC Champ Khamzat Chimaev Taps Out MMA Legend In 47 Seconds During Grappling Session

    Watch: UFC Champ Khamzat Chimaev Taps Out MMA Legend In 47 Seconds During Grappling Session

    Khamzat Chimaev recently gave Demetrious Johnson a harsh reminder of the realities of weight classes during a grappling session that quickly turned one-sided.

    The two shared the mats during a training session in California, where “Borz” is preparing for his first title defense. Despite Johnson’s reputation as one of the most technically gifted fighters in MMA history, the size difference between the two proved to be a decisive factor.

    Before the exchange began, “Mighty Mouse” jokingly referenced Arman Tsarukyan while speaking to Chimaev.

    “Did Arman tell you I was good?” Johnson asked. “Arman, tell you I was strong?”

    The 31-year-old Chechen, clearly aware of the disparity in size, responded with a smile.

    “Maybe for him, yeah.”

    What followed was a quick demonstration of Chimaev’s dominance. The UFC middleweight champion wasted little time securing control, locking up a front headlock before transitioning smoothly into a D’arce choke. Within moments, the MMA legend was forced to tap, with those watching noting the exchange lasted just 47 seconds.

    Given the circumstances, the outcome wasn’t particularly surprising. The 39-year-old American built his legacy competing at 125 pounds, while “Borz” currently rules the 185-pound division. Even with Johnson’s elite skill set, overcoming that kind of physical gap was always going to be a challenge.

    Johnson later addressed the moment with a dose of realism, explaining his decision-making during the exchange.

    “You guys are like ‘man, why did he pull guard?’” Johnson said. “Do you think I’m going to shoot a f*cking takedown on Khamzat Chimaev?”

    Now retired from active competition, “Mighty Mouse” is set to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

    As for Chimaev, his focus remains on the future. He is scheduled to defend his middleweight title against former champ Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 on May 9 at the Prudential Center.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Makes Surprising UFC Pay Admission

    Khamzat Chimaev Makes Surprising UFC Pay Admission

    Khamzat Chimaev has revealed that his biggest source of income is not his UFC middleweight championship but the sponsorship deals he has secured outside of the octagon.

    Speaking on Beyond The Win ahead of his title defense against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark, Chimaev opened up about his financial situation and pushed back against critics who take aim at his fight frequency.

    Chimaev dethroned Dricus Du Plessis to claim the middleweight title at UFC 319 in Chicago last year. Since becoming champion, he has faced criticism for his inactivity, a pattern that stretches back to earlier in his career when a battle with coronavirus disrupted what had been a relentless pace of competition. He addressed those critics directly during the interview, showing little concern for outside opinions.

    “I don’t care what these guys do. I am making millions and people are just talking and doing nothing. If you do your work I don’t need to watch how often you work or how much you get,” Chimaev said. “I care about myself, how much I make, how much I get.”

    When the conversation turned to his UFC compensation, Chimaev expressed satisfaction with where his career has taken him while making clear that the promotion’s payouts are not where his primary earnings come from.

    “Of course, I’ve been living in the gym and now I am living my dream,” he said. “I make more money out of the UFC because of what I’ve become, like ‘Khamzat Chimaev.’ Wherever I go, people want to sponsor me, they want to do different things with me and they send this and that.”

  • Colby Covington Predicts Brutal Loss for Sean Strickland

    Colby Covington Predicts Brutal Loss for Sean Strickland

    Colby Covington recently delivered a harsh assessment of Sean Strickland’s chances against Khamzat Chimaev, predicting the former middleweight champion would have no path to victory in a potential matchup. The prediction highlights a perceived stylistic mismatch between the two fighters.

    Covington’s outlook for Strickland is decidedly negative. During an interview on Submission Radio, the former interim welterweight champion suggested a significant skill gap exists between Strickland and Chimaev.

    Stylistic Concerns for Strickland

    Covington’s prediction centers on what he views as a problematic matchup for Strickland. The assessment suggests Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy approach and physical dominance would overwhelm Strickland’s striking-based game.

    “No, I’m not giving him a chance,” Covington said. “Hernandez and Khamzat are completely different levels of grapplers and the way they approach their strategies. So, I think Khamzat’s going to take him down and submit him. Schmo went and watched them spar back at Xtreme Couture a couple of years ago, and he pretty much said it wasn’t competitive.

    “Khamzat was just taking him down and submitting him, so I expect that same damn plan. He’s not going to be stupid and strike with Sean and make it a kickboxing fight. He’s just going to make it straight grappling, and I think he’s going to put Strickland in some really bad positions and either submit him or just hold him down for 25 minutes.”

    Chimaev hasn’t competed since he won the middleweight gold back in August last year. ‘Borz’ had some heated words exchanged on social media with Strickland, and the two will clash at UFC 328 on May 9th in Newark.