Sean Strickland’s ability to survive his opponent’s best weapons played a major role in his upset win over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328.
During their fight, Chimaev started strongly with his wrestling pressure, but Strickland gradually found ways to stop the takedowns. The change forced Chimaev into longer striking exchanges instead of allowing him to dictate the fight from the ground.
Chimaev’s heavy early output also took a toll as the fight progressed, while Strickland maintained his pace across the five-round contest. Dricus du Plessis, who has shared the cage with both fighters, believes that tactical shift was the key to Strickland’s success.
During a recent conversation on Fight Forecast, he said:
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“He is very fit. He can always go five rounds, and he’s so good at dragging people into his style. When Khamzat couldn’t enforce his style, he had that first round; he got very tired because he worked very hard. Strickland is very good on the ground, especially defensively. When he started stopping Khamzat’s takedowns, Khamzat got tired, and he got forced to fight Strickland’s fight, and Strickland wins that every single time.”
Check out Dricus du Plessis’ comments below:
Strickland ultimately won a split decision, handing Chimaev the first professional loss of his career and reclaiming the UFC middleweight championship. As for Strickland and Du Plessis, the pair have fought twice, with the South African winning both the encounters.
Strickland is now expected to face Nassourdine Imavov next, although the matchup has been complicated by a contract dispute. Imavov recently offered $500,000 of his own money to encourage Strickland to accept the fight.
Khamzat Chimaev offers Sean Strickland $1 million for a rematch
Khamzat Chimaev has seemingly offered Sean Strickland $1 million for a rematch after Strickland defeated him to win the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328.
Strickland is currently negotiating a title defense against Nassourdine Imavov, with the matchup now expected to take place in 2027. Imavov has already offered Strickland $500,000 to accept the fight.
Chimaev has now doubled that offer as he looks to avenge the first loss of his professional career. In a post shared on X, he wrote:
“Strickland I will pay you 1 [million]. Send me location and let’s fight don’t care outside inside the cage.”
Edited by Abhishek Nambiar
