Khamzat Chimaev was filmed conducting a sparring session with Brendan Allen as part of his preparation for UFC 328. Chimaev is scheduled to face Sean Strickland at the upcoming event. The training footage was shared by Bear Degidio. Allen, a middleweight contender, is helping Chimaev prepare for his high-profile matchup. The sparring represents part of Chimaev's camp leading into one of his most significant fights to date.
Khamzat Chimaev has been filmed sparring with middleweight contender Brendan Allen as part of his preparation for UFC 328, where he is set to face Sean Strickland on May 9. Training footage of the session was shared by Bear Degidio, offering a glimpse into Chimaev's camp ahead of one of the most significant bouts of his career.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," carries a 15-1 record and holds the number-one ranking in the middleweight division, with a pound-for-pound ranking of tenth in the world. The 32-year-old, who competes out of Allstars Training Center and represents the United Arab Emirates, is one of the more analytically dominant fighters in the sport. He averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a 60 percent accuracy rate, the highest of the three men involved in this story.
Allen, nicknamed "All In," brings a 26-7 record and sits fifth in the middleweight rankings, making him a credible and capable sparring partner for a fight of this magnitude. The 30-year-old from Kill Cliff FC stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach and is a well-rounded grappler, averaging 1.56 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His 53 percent striking accuracy also makes him a technically sound stand-up partner.
Waiting for Chimaev is reigning middleweight champion Sean Strickland. "Tarzan" holds a 31-7 record and is one of the division's most active strikers, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute. The 35-year-old orthodox fighter out of Xtreme Couture stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the number-one middleweight contender challenging a reigning champion, giving the bout clear title implications.
- Allen's grappling-heavy, technically sound game makes him a relevant mirror for elements of Strickland's style.
- The footage confirms Chimaev's camp is active and focused well ahead of the May 9 card.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
