Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland (Photo by Imagn Images)

Former UFC Champ Breaks Down Why Sean Strickland Could Shock Khamzat Chimaev

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Mar 14, 2026 3:15 AM ET

Dana White recently announced Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev, and fans went crazy. White also mentioned that he might need very high security for this fight since Strickland and Chimaev have a really heated rivalry. A lot of people are backing the American fighter in this fight, and recently, former UFC champ Dricus Du Plessis explained how ‘Tarzan’ can shock everyone.

Du Plessis says Strickland has the advantage in striking, and it’s really hard to beat the 35-year-old. But DDP thinks ‘Tarzan’ has a very good chance against ‘Borz’ since he’s stronger than a lot of people think, giving him a real shot to win the matchup. In a recent interview with SA Boxing Talk, the South African fighter said:

“In striking, Strickland definitely beats Khamzat, for sure. Khamzat is a problem when he has you on your back – we’ve seen that many times. Strickland is a lot stronger than people might think. I think he has a very good chance in that fight.”

DDP thinks Strickland has a very ‘good chance’ against Khamzat

"In striking, Strickland definitely beats Khamzat, for sure— Strickland is a lot stronger than people might think. I think he has a very good chance in that fight."

via @SABoxingTalk

pic.twitter.com/XmrEXtcwOE
— Dovy (@DovySimuMMA) March 14, 2026

Everyone knows Chimaev’s game plan since he always shoots for the takedown. If the fight really goes to the ground, then it’s going to be really tough for the American fighter to compete against ‘Borz.’ But fans definitely want to see this fight stay on the feet. A lot of people are predicting this fight since it’s a fan favorite, and many UFC stars are also giving their predictions.

Kamaru Usman Says Sean Strickland Might Give Trouble to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

Khamzat Chimaev, Kamaru Usman and Sean Strickland (Photo by Imagn Images)

Khamzat Chimaev will defend his title for the first time, and he’ll face Sean Strickland at UFC 328. This is an iconic fight that fans and stars are super excited about. Talking about the fight, Kamaru Usman said Strickland’s awkward and defensive style could create problems for the middleweight champ. In a recent Pound4Pound show episode, he said:

“Khamzat has that one tool he uses to dominate everybody, but when that doesn’t work, you’re forced to show your whole arsenal. Khamzat can strike, too. He stood with Gilbert Burns and dropped him a few times. If he changes that mentality and fights like a free mixed martial artist, we could really see his full arsenal.”

Kamaru Usman says Sean Strickland’s tricky style could test Khamzat Chimaev

“Strickland is extremely tricky to hit. He has this weird style where he just relaxes, blocks, and leans away.”

“Khamzat has that one tool he uses to dominate everybody, but when that doesn’t work… pic.twitter.com/r4UvsHESpC
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 12, 2026

According to Usman, ‘Borz’ usually dominates with one main approach, but if that strategy fails, he may need to show more of his overall skills. Usman also noted that Chimaev’s striking is solid, pointing to his fight with Gilbert Burns, where he dropped Burns multiple times. But ‘Tarzan’ has more elite striking than Burns.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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