Training partners detail Sean Strickland's ability to get up from bottom position

Multiple sparring partners and training colleagues have weighed in on Sean Strickland's grappling defensive skills ahead of his fight with Khamzat Chimaev. Luke Rockhold stated that Strickland is extremely difficult to hold down and can stand up effectively, even if he's not technically elite in grappling. Jorge Masvidal confirmed seeing Strickland work with heavyweights and noted how challenging it is to keep him controlled on the mat. Sharaf Davlatmurodov explained that Strickland constantly trains with collegiate wrestlers and excels at standing up, breaking grips, and creating leverage rather than relying on technical guard work. The analysis suggests Strickland's wrestling-based escapes and ability to create frames make him a uniquely difficult opponent to control in grappling exchanges. However, concerns remain about whether these skills will translate against Chimaev's elite grappling pressure.