Analysts examine Strickland's ability to stand up against Chimaev's grappling

Multiple training partners and analysts have weighed in on Sean Strickland's ability to escape Khamzat Chimaev's grappling at UFC 328. Luke Rockhold stated Strickland is extremely difficult to hold down despite not being highly technical in grappling. Jorge Masvidal noted Strickland's ability to stand up even when working with heavyweights. Sharaf Davlatmurodov described Strickland as very large for his weight class with excellent hand-fighting and constant wrestling drills with college wrestlers. However, analysts note Chimaev is much faster at transitioning between grappling positions than past opponents like Dricus du Plessis. The consensus is that the first takedown will reveal whether Strickland can escape safely or if Chimaev will dominate on the ground.