Sean Strickland Prepares for Title Shot Against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

Sean Strickland is set to challenge Khamzat Chimaev for the UFC middleweight championship on May 9, 2026, at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey. This matchup marks Chimaev's first title defense since claiming the belt, and it is underscored by a history of tension between the two fighters, who have exchanged barbs over the years.

Sean Strickland has a good chance at unseating Khamzat Chimaev, per ex-PFL champ who will train with Strickland for UFC 328

Former Bellator MMA and PFL champion Johnny Eblen has expressed confidence in Strickland's chances against Chimaev, suggesting that Strickland's fighting style could pose significant challenges for the champion. Eblen noted, “You can’t just manhandle Strickland like that. You can’t just hold him down,” emphasizing Strickland's resilience and ability to engage in a striking battle.

Sean Strickland has a good chance at unseating Khamzat Chimaev, per ex-PFL champ who will train with Strickland for UFC 328

Conversely, Colby Covington has predicted a straightforward victory for Chimaev, stating, “I think Sean is at the end of his career, looking for one last paycheque.” Covington's remarks suggest a stylistic advantage for Chimaev, who is known for his grappling prowess.

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Former champion Israel Adesanya also weighed in, acknowledging Strickland's potential to upset Chimaev if the fight progresses into the later rounds without Strickland being taken down. Adesanya remarked, “Chimaev is a bat out of hell,” indicating the aggressive nature of Chimaev's fighting style.

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In preparation for the title fight, Strickland has been training with former rival Alex Pereira, who is also gearing up for a significant bout against Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title on June 14, 2026. Recent sparring footage has surfaced, showcasing an intense exchange between the two fighters. Strickland commented on the session, saying, “He got me to drop my hands, and at that moment I just said, ‘nah dude, we’re done.’” This sparring session highlights the competitive nature of both fighters as they prepare for their respective title challenges.

Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland throw hands in insane ending to sparring match

While some analysts and fighters support Strickland's chances, others remain skeptical about his ability to reclaim the title. Covington's assertion that Strickland is nearing the end of his career reflects a broader skepticism regarding Strickland's longevity and effectiveness at the championship level.

Sean Strickland has a good chance at unseating Khamzat Chimaev, per ex-PFL champ who will train with Strickland for UFC 328

As UFC 328 approaches, the narrative surrounding Sean Strickland's title shot against Khamzat Chimaev continues to evolve. With contrasting opinions from former champions and intense training sessions with Pereira, Strickland's path to reclaiming the middleweight title is fraught with both opportunity and challenge. The fight promises to be a significant event in the UFC calendar, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike.

Sean Strickland has a good chance at unseating Khamzat Chimaev, per ex-PFL champ who will train with Strickland for UFC 328