Analysis: Strickland's takedown defense key question against Chimaev

The main intrigue of the Chimaev-Strickland fight centers on whether Strickland can successfully get back to his feet after takedowns. According to training partners Luke Rockhold, Jorge Masvidal, and Sharaf Davlatmurodov, Strickland is extremely difficult to keep down, even when working with heavyweights, and excels at breaking grips and standing up through wrestling-based explosiveness rather than technical guard work. Historical context shows limited data: Kamaru Usman controlled Chimaev for 4.5 minutes nine years ago in a different weight class, while Dricus Du Plessis took Strickland down six times but struggled to maintain control due to inferior technique. The analysis suggests Chimaev will likely hold Strickland against the cage and drag him down, but questions remain about whether Strickland can drain Chimaev's cardio and defend submissions and ground-and-pound. The author predicts Chimaev will take more risks on the ground and finish the fight, or alternatively win a decision if he senses Strickland is stronger than expected in grappling exchanges.