Tale of the tape: Chimaev vs. Strickland resumes compared ahead of UFC 328

TNT Sports has released a side-by-side resume comparison of middleweight champion Sean Strickland and top contender Khamzat Chimaev ahead of their scheduled UFC 328 bout, inviting fans to weigh in on who has faced the stiffer competition throughout their respective careers.

Strickland, known as "Tarzan," enters the fight as the reigning middleweight champion with a record of 31-7-0. The 35-year-old American, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach. He is one of the most active strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute at 42 percent accuracy, while his grappling output remains measured, averaging 0.71 takedowns per 15 minutes.

Chimaev, nicknamed "Borz," is the division's ranked number-one contender and sits at number ten in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 32-year-old representing the United Arab Emirates and training at Allstars Training Center carries a 15-1-0 record and stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach. His calling card is a relentless wrestling attack, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minute — figures that rank among the highest in the division. He also connects on 60 percent of his significant strikes, the highest accuracy mark between the two men.

Why it matters

• Strickland's title is on the line against the division's top-ranked challenger, giving this bout the highest possible middleweight stakes.
• The strength-of-schedule debate reflects genuine questions about the paths each fighter has taken to reach this point.
• The stylistic contrast is stark: Strickland's high-volume striking against Chimaev's elite wrestling and finishing ability sets up a compelling tactical puzzle.