Khamzat Chimaev has been captured on video conducting sparring sessions with Brendan Allen as part of his training camp. The footage was shared by Bear Degidio and shows preparation for Chimaev's upcoming bout against Sean Strickland at UFC 328. Allen, a ranked middleweight contender himself, is serving as a training partner for Chimaev's high-profile matchup. The sparring sessions indicate Chimaev is actively preparing for the stylistic challenges Strickland will present.
Video shared by Bear Degidio has revealed Khamzat Chimaev working through sparring sessions alongside Brendan Allen as the middleweight contender builds his camp ahead of UFC 328 on May 9, where he is scheduled to face Sean Strickland.
Chimaev, ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth on the pound-for-pound list, carries a 15-1 record into the contest. The 32-year-old representing the UAE and training out of Allstars Training Center is one of the most statistically dominant grapplers in the sport, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 60 percent. His submission attempt rate of 1.8 per 15 minutes further underlines the multi-dimensional threat he poses.
Allen, the number-five ranked middleweight and a natural stylistic fit as a sparring partner, brings a 26-7 record and his own well-rounded skill set to the camp. The 30-year-old Kill Cliff FC product out of the United States is accurate on the feet at 53 percent and averages 1.56 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him a credible simulation of the pressures Chimaev can expect.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, presents a contrasting puzzle. The 35-year-old Xtreme Couture fighter from the United States holds a 31-7 record and is among the most active volume strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute from an orthodox stance with a 76-inch reach. His wrestling and submission output are relatively modest by comparison, meaning the stand-up dimension of this matchup carries considerable weight.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is challenging for the middleweight title, making this a championship camp with significant divisional implications
- Allen's ranking and well-rounded game make him a high-quality stylistic sparring proxy for Strickland's pressure boxing
- A Chimaev victory would install the number-one contender as champion and reshape the division's landscape
Saturday, May 9, 2026
