Khamzat Chimaev is conducting sparring sessions with Brendan Allen as part of his preparation for his upcoming fight against Sean Strickland at UFC 328. The training footage was captured by Bear Degidio. The sparring represents part of Chimaev's camp as he prepares for the high-profile middleweight bout. Allen, a ranked middleweight contender, is serving as a training partner for Chimaev. The collaboration highlights the level of preparation Chimaev is undertaking for the Strickland matchup.
Khamzat Chimaev has been spotted in sparring sessions with Brendan Allen as he builds his camp for a middleweight title shot against Sean Strickland at UFC 328, scheduled for May 9. Training footage capturing the sessions was shot by Bear Degidio.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," enters the bout as the number-one ranked middleweight and sits at number ten in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 32-year-old representing the UAE carries a 15-1-0 record and trains out of Allstars Training Center. His numbers tell the story of a relentless pressure fighter — a 60 percent striking accuracy, 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes rank among the most imposing in the division.
Allen makes for a credible and battle-tested sparring partner. The 30-year-old American from Kill Cliff FC holds a 26-7-0 record and sits fifth in the middleweight rankings. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he mirrors Chimaev's frame almost exactly. Allen posts a 53 percent striking accuracy and averages 1.56 takedowns per 15 minutes, giving Chimaev a high-quality look at a well-rounded opponent ahead of the title fight.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, brings a 31-7-0 record into the contest. The 35-year-old from Xtreme Couture is an orthodox striker who throws at a volume of 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a six-foot-one frame and a 76-inch reach — the longest of the three fighters involved in this camp setup. He has defended the throne with high-output striking and durable forward pressure.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is challenging for the middleweight title, making preparation depth critical
- Allen's ranking at number five gives Chimaev a legitimate stylistic simulation of elite divisional competition
- Both Chimaev and Strickland are orthodox strikers with contrasting grappling threats, making varied sparring valuable for camp
Saturday, May 9, 2026
