Tale of the Tape: Chimaev vs. Strickland ahead of UFC 328

TNT Sports has released a tale-of-the-tape graphic comparing Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland ahead of their middleweight showdown at UFC 328, inviting fans to weigh in on which fighter has faced the stiffer competition throughout his career.

Strickland enters the fight as the reigning middleweight champion, carrying a 31-7-0 record at 35 years old. The American, who trains out of Xtreme Couture and stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, is one of the most active strikers in the division. He lands 6.04 significant strikes per minute, though his 42 percent striking accuracy reflects a high-volume, pressure-based approach. He attempts takedowns at a modest rate of 0.71 per 15 minutes, underlining his identity as a pure stand-up fighter.

Chimaev, ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth pound-for-pound, brings a 15-1-0 record into the bout. The 32-year-old fighting out of the United Arab Emirates and training at Allstars Training Center stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach. His 60 percent striking accuracy is among the highest in the division, and his grappling numbers are extraordinary — 5.29 takedowns and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes. The Borz has built his reputation on overwhelming opponents across all phases of the fight.

Why it matters

• The middleweight title is on the line, with the champion facing the division's top-ranked contender
• Strickland's volume striking will be tested against Chimaev's elite wrestling and grappling output
• Chimaev's top-ten pound-for-pound status makes this one of the most significant title fights the 185-pound division has seen in years
• The question of who has faced tougher opposition adds an additional layer to how both fighters' unbeaten and championship runs are being evaluated