Sean Strickland Predicts Frustrating Night for Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev (Photo by Getty Images)

Sean Strickland Predicts Frustrating Night for Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated May 3, 2026 2:27 PM ET

Sean Strickland has spent a long time thinking about how to fight Khamzat Chimaev. His prediction for May 9 sounds less like hype and more like a detailed breakdown. He delivered it in his usual direct and unfiltered style. The framework he laid out covers both possible versions of the fight with equal confidence.

According to the former champion, Chimaev tries to wrestle, and Strickland counters and gets back to his feet. If Khamzat Chimaev stops going for takedowns and decides to stand and trade, the fight becomes a five-round striking battle. In that scenario, Strickland believes he can land clean shots consistently.

“Part of him knows if we wrestle, I’m just gonna counter-wrestle and get up. Or he knows he can’t take me down, and we kickbox for 5 rounds. He’s gonna get frustrated, and I’m just gonna tag him at will,” Strickland said.

️ Sean Strickland on the Khamzat fight:

“Part of him knows if we wrestle, I’m just gonna counter-wrestle and get up.

Or he knows he can’t take me down and we kickbox for 5 rounds. He’s gonna get frustrated and I’m just gonna tag him at will.” #UFC328 pic.twitter.com/7r1NZiDWT1
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 3, 2026

Chimaev has never been genuinely frustrated inside a UFC cage for any sustained period. No opponent has taken away the tool he relies on most and forced him into an extended second option. Strickland essentially describes himself as the first fighter to use the specific combination.

Dricus Du Plessis Feels Sean Strickland Might Beat Khamzat Chimaev

The former champion believes Strickland has the edge on his feet against Chimaev. He pointed out that Chimaev is dangerous on the ground, but said Strickland is stronger than many think. DDP added that Strickland has a very real chance in the fight ahead of UFC 328.

“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 said.

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

https://t.co/XmrEXtcwOE
— Dovy (@DovySimuMMA) March 14, 2026

Earlier, Colby Covington said Strickland would be taken down and beaten up pretty badly. ‘Tarzan,’ said Chimaev, gets frustrated and tagged at will. UFC 328 resolves the argument. Both men have made their predictions with complete conviction, and one of them will be very wrong.

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

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