UFC middleweight Sean Strickland went dirt bike riding with Bellator champion Johny Eblen just two weeks before Strickland's championship fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328. Strickland revealed that after completing a five-round training war, he suggested they go ride motocross bikes. Remarkably, Eblen had never ridden a dirt bike before accepting Strickland's invitation. Strickland expressed respect for Eblen's willingness to try something new and his overall mindset. The unconventional training camp activity raised eyebrows given the proximity to Strickland's title fight and the injury risk associated with motocross riding. Both fighters are preparing for championship bouts in their respective organizations.
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland raised more than a few eyebrows this week after revealing he went dirt bike riding with Bellator middleweight champion Johny Eblen just two weeks out from his title defense against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 on May 9.
Strickland, who goes by "Tarzan," described finishing a grueling five-round training session before suggesting the two champions take to motocross bikes together. What made the outing even more notable was that Eblen had never ridden a dirt bike before Strickland extended the invitation. The 35-year-old American, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, said he came away with genuine respect for Eblen's willingness to step outside his comfort zone. The activity drew attention given the obvious injury risk associated with motocross riding at such a critical point in a training camp.
The reigning UFC middleweight champion carries a 31-7 record into UFC 328 and is one of the more active pressure fighters in the division, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach out of an orthodox stance.
Waiting for him is the number-one-ranked middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev. The 32-year-old "Borz," representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center, holds a 15-1 record and sits tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings. Chimaev is one of the sport's most complete threats, posting a remarkable 60 percent striking accuracy alongside a dominant grappling game that averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- The UFC middleweight title is on the line, with Chimaev the top-ranked challenger in the division
- Strickland's motocross session so close to fight night introduces unnecessary injury risk heading into the biggest fight of his title reign
- The style matchup pits Strickland's high-volume striking output against Chimaev's elite wrestling and finishing ability
- Eblen, preparing for his own Bellator championship bout, was an unconventional but willing training partner for the outing
Saturday, May 9, 2026
