Khamzat Chimaev has shared video of sparring sessions with Sean Strickland ahead of their UFC 328 middleweight title eliminator. The footage provides fans a glimpse into preparation for one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. Chimaev, known for his dominant grappling and finishing ability, faces the outspoken former champion Strickland in what many view as a title eliminator. The release of training footage is unusual and adds intrigue to the psychological warfare between the two fighters.
Days before their scheduled UFC 328 middleweight clash, Khamzat Chimaev released sparring footage featuring opponent Sean Strickland, giving fans a rare look inside the preparation camp for one of 2026's most anticipated fights.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," enters the bout ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth pound-for-pound, carrying a 15-1-0 record. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center, has built his reputation on suffocating grappling, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes with a striking accuracy of 60 percent. He also averages 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him a constant threat wherever the fight goes.
Strickland, meanwhile, holds a 31-7-0 record and enters as the reigning middleweight champion. The 35-year-old from the United States, who trains at Xtreme Couture, is one of the division's most prolific volume strikers, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute. His 76-inch reach gives him a rangefinding advantage on the feet, and his durability and output have defined his path to the title.
Why it matters
- A win for either fighter carries direct title implications, with the bout widely regarded as a middleweight title eliminator
- Chimaev's decision to release the sparring footage publicly adds a psychological dimension to the buildup, an uncommon move this close to fight night
- The stylistic contrast is stark — Chimaev's elite wrestling and submission threat versus Strickland's high-volume striking and championship experience
- At 185 centimeters tall with a six-foot-two frame, Chimaev holds a slight size edge, while Strickland's one-inch reach advantage may influence the striking exchanges
Saturday, May 9, 2026
