Alexander Volkov has shared his evaluation of Sean Strickland's prospects in his upcoming fight with Khamzat Chimaev. The post presents Volkov's opinion as a poll asking fans whether Strickland can surprise or if Chimaev will dominate without giving him a chance. However, the specific details of Volkov's actual comments are not provided in the post. The assessment comes as UFC 328 approaches with this highly anticipated matchup. Volkov's perspective carries weight as a fellow heavyweight contender familiar with high-level competition.
Alexander Volkov has weighed in on the middleweight title fight between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev, offering his read on how the champion's chances stack up against the unrelenting Chimaev ahead of UFC 328.
Strickland, the 35-year-old American champion out of Xtreme Couture, carries a 31-7-0 record into the contest. The six-foot-one orthodox striker has built his reputation on volume and durability, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute — one of the higher outputs in the division — though his accuracy sits at 42 percent. His wrestling presence is measured, averaging 0.71 takedowns per 15 minutes, and he rarely hunts submissions. At 76 inches of reach, he has learned to control range and grind through adversity across long championship rounds.
Chimaev, ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth pound-for-pound, arrives with a 15-1-0 record and a profile that looks almost tailor-made to threaten Strickland's game. The 32-year-old representing the UAE and training out of Allstars Training Center stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach. His 60 percent striking accuracy and a takedown rate of 5.29 per 15 minutes underline why he is regarded as one of the most complete pressers in the sport. He also averages 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, adding a constant finishing threat on the mat.
Volkov, the top-ranked heavyweight contender at 37 years old, holds a 40-11-0 record and brings credibility as someone who has navigated elite competition across two decades. His perspective on a middleweight title fight draws attention precisely because he understands the demands of facing high-level wrestlers and strikers at the top of the rankings.
Why it matters
- Strickland's middleweight title is directly on the line against the division's top contender
- Chimaev's elite grappling rate poses the clearest stylistic threat to Strickland's stand-up-heavy approach
- Outside commentary from a ranked heavyweight like Volkov keeps the bout in broader cross-divisional conversation ahead of UFC 328
