Khamzat Chimaev (Image Credits: Imagn)

UFC Veteran Says Khamzat Chimaev Avoids Risk By Holding Opponents Down

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 12:53 PM ET

A lot of people accuse Khamzat Chimaev of being inactive in the UFC, but he’s finally fighting at UFC 328 against Sean Strickland. Chimaev is known for his dominant wrestling, and he can pin down his opponent for all rounds. But a UFC veteran has a different opinion on the middleweight champ’s wrestling.

Jorge Masvidal took a shot at the Chechen fighter, criticizing his fighting style. Masvidal basically said Chimaev relies too much on control, holding fighters down instead of taking risks on the feet. He suggested it comes from fear of letting opponents escape rather than fully engaging. In a recent interview with Deathrow MMA, he said:

“Just sit there and sniff crotches. You have a chance to strike, but you’re just holding the guy down because you’re scared they’re going to get away. Yeah, you’re a better wrestler, but that’s not fighting.”

Jorge Masvidal claims Khamzat Chimaev holds fighters down out of fear they’ll escape

"Just sit there and sniff crotches. You have a chance to strike, but you're just holding the guy down because you're scared they're going to get away. Yeah, you're a better wrestler, but… pic.twitter.com/a3pxLt4RyF
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 7, 2026

The UFC veteran also noted that Strickland could pose a problem for Chimaev. Adding to that, Masvidal believes ‘Borz’ can get him down, but keeping ‘Tarzan’ there won’t be easy. But a lot of people believe the former middleweight champ is going to be a tough challenge for the 31-year-old.

Joe Pyfer Says Sean Strickland Can Shock Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

A lot of people are backing Sean Strickland to beat Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328. Adding to that, Joe Pyfer believes the key is simple; he also mentioned that if Strickland survives the early pressure and avoids getting submitted in the first round, he has a real chance to take over the fight. During his recent interview with MMA Full Mount, the rising middleweight star said:

“These guys got true beef. I think Sean Strickland is a good fighter. I think Khamzat is an excellent wrestler and he’s got aura about him and he’s fun to watch. Do have Sean Strickland. I think Sean can survive the storm and if he doesn’t get submitted in the first round he can win that fight.”

Joe Pyfer explains why he picks Sean Strickland to beat Khamzat Chimaev:

"These guys got true beef. I think Sean Strickland is a good fighter. I think Khamzat is an excellent wrestler and he's got aura about him and he's fun to watch.

I do have Sean Strickland. I think… pic.twitter.com/6MRnY9RzM5
— Full Mount MMA (@MMAFullMount) April 2, 2026

He also pointed out that there’s real bad blood between them, which makes the fight even more intense. And with Strickland’s trash talk, a lot of people believe the mental game could play a big role too. Fans are really pumped for this fight.

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

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