A detailed breakdown explores whether Sean Strickland can defend Khamzat Chimaev's takedowns and escape from bottom position at UFC 328. Training partners including Luke Rockhold, Jorge Masvidal, and Sharaf Davlatmurodov have praised Strickland's ability to get back to his feet, even against larger opponents and collegiate wrestlers. Rockhold noted Strickland is extremely difficult to keep down despite not being technically elite in grappling, while Masvidal observed this even when Strickland trained with heavyweights. Davlatmurodov specifically said Chimaev could hold Strickland for maybe one and a half rounds before it becomes problematic, crediting Strickland's ability to break grips and create frames. The analysis suggests the first takedown will reveal whether Strickland can safely stand up, fully disengage, and return to striking range against Chimaev's elite grappling.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
