Multiple training partners and opponents have commented on Sean Strickland's ability to get back to his feet from the ground ahead of his UFC 328 title fight with Khamzat Chimaev. Luke Rockhold stated Strickland is so hard to hold down that it's frustrating, while Jorge Masvidal confirmed he's difficult to control even against heavyweights. Sharaf Davlatmurodov, who trains with Strickland, said he couldn't hold him down despite being a solid grappler himself, noting that Strickland excels at breaking grips and creating leverage to stand up rather than using technical guard work. The analysis suggests Strickland relies on wrestling-based explosiveness and creating frames to escape rather than sophisticated bottom game. Previous fights with Dricus Du Plessis (who completed six takedowns but couldn't hold him long) and Kamaru Usman (who controlled him 4.5 minutes in round one nine years ago at welterweight) provide limited current insight into how he'll handle Chimaev's advanced grappling. The detailed breakdown concludes that while Strickland may stand up after takedowns, Chimaev's superior transition speed, leg entanglements, and control make it unlikely Strickland will completely escape positions cleanly.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
