An extensive breakdown ahead of UFC 328 focuses on whether Sean Strickland can get back to his feet after Hamzat Chimaev takes him down. Training partners including Luke Rockhold, Jorge Masvidal, and Sharaf Davlatmurodov have praised Strickland's ability to scramble and return to standing, noting he's difficult to hold down even for heavyweights. However, the analysis suggests Chimaev's superior speed, cage control, and submission threats will make it extremely difficult for Strickland to escape cleanly. Past fights with Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman provide mixed evidence—Strickland got up repeatedly against DDP but gave up extended control time. The conclusion suggests Chimaev will either finish Strickland on the ground or control him for a decision victory, though a striking-based gameplan remains possible if the grappling proves costly.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
