The main event of UFC 328: Chimaev vs Strickland is one of the biggest middleweight fights the UFC can make right now. Sean Strickland enters the fight looking to reclaim the middleweight throne after splitting two razor-close battles with Dricus du Plessis. His pressure-heavy boxing style and elite cardio continue to make him one of the division’s toughest stylistic matchups.
Khamzat Chimaev arrives as the division’s most feared force. After submitting Robert Whittaker and then capturing the middleweight title against Dricus du Plessis, Chimaev has strengthened the belief that he may be the most dominant grappler in the UFC today.
Sean Strickland
Last 3 bouts:
Win. Dricus du Plessis – Split Decision
Lose. Dricus du Plessis – Split Decision
Win. Paulo Costa – Split Decision
Fighting style:
Pressure-heavy boxer with elite cardio, constant forward movement, and one of the UFC’s best jab-based striking systems. Strickland thrives in drawn-out stand-up battles where he can dictate pace and frustrate opponents.
Strengths:
Elite defensive boxing and shoulder-roll defense
Excellent cardio and five-round pace
Constant pressure and volume striking
Strong takedown defense and durability
Vast championship-level experience
Weaknesses:
Low finishing rate despite high output
Can be vulnerable to elite wrestlers
Relies heavily on rhythm and pace control
Sometimes struggles against explosive athletes early
Keys to victory:
Keep the fight standing and maintain distance with the jab
Defend early takedowns and force Chimaev into deep waters
Push a relentless pace in championship rounds
Khamzat Chimaev
Last 3 bouts:
Win. Dricus du Plessis – Submission
Win. Robert Whittaker – Submission
Win. Kamaru Usman – Decision
Fighting style:
Explosive pressure fighter with elite wrestling, vicious ground-and-pound, and aggressive submission hunting. Chimaev overwhelms opponents with pace, physicality, and nonstop pressure.
Strengths:
Elite wrestling and grappling dominance
Massive physical strength and explosiveness
Dangerous submission game
Aggressive finishing mentality
Undefeated record entering UFC 328
Weaknesses:
Can slow down in later rounds after fast starts
Sometimes absorbs damage while attacking aggressively
Less proven in extended five-round striking fights
Keys to victory:
Pressure Strickland immediately and force wrestling exchanges
Avoid getting drawn into a slow-paced boxing match
Hunt takedowns early before Strickland settles into rhythm
Odds
Sean Strickland +425
Khamzat Chimaev -575
