A detailed analysis suggests the central question for UFC 328 is whether Sean Strickland can get up from Hamzat Chimaev's takedowns. Training partners Luke Rockhold, Jorge Masvidal, and Sharaf Davlatmurodov all note that Strickland is exceptionally difficult to hold down, even for heavyweights, primarily due to wrestling-based scrambles rather than technical guard work. The analysis references historical context: Kamaru Usman controlled Strickland for 4.5 minutes nine years ago at a different weight class, while Dricus du Plessis took Strickland down six times but couldn't hold him due to inferior transitions and control. Chimaev's superior speed, leg entanglements, and submission threats are expected to make escapes far more difficult. The prediction is that Chimaev will either finish Strickland if he senses vulnerability in grappling exchanges, or win a decision by mixing striking with controlled takedown attempts if Strickland proves stronger than expected.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
