Multiple fighters and training partners have weighed in on Sean Strickland's grappling defense ahead of his UFC 328 main event against Hamzat Chimaev. Luke Rockhold stated that Strickland is extremely difficult to hold down despite not being exceptional at grappling, calling him the toughest test for Chimaev. Jorge Masvidal confirmed witnessing Strickland's ability to get back to his feet even against heavyweights in training. Training partner Sharaf Davlatmurodov noted that Strickland works constantly with collegiate wrestlers and excels at standing back up and breaking wrist control. The analysis suggests Strickland's defensive grappling relies more on wrestling-based escapes and creating frames rather than technical guard work. Historical context includes Strickland's ability to repeatedly stand up after six takedowns against Dricus Du Plessis, though the author questions whether he can replicate this against Chimaev's superior speed and control.
Sean Strickland's ability to survive Khamzat Chimaev's wrestling has become a major talking point ahead of their UFC 328 main event, with several high-profile fighters and training partners offering detailed assessments of the middleweight champion's grappling defense.
Strickland, 35, carries a 31-7 record into the fight and currently holds the middleweight title. The orthodox striker from Xtreme Couture lands 6.04 significant strikes per minute — a volume that places him among the division's most active punchers — though his takedown output of 0.71 per 15 minutes reflects a fighter who prefers to keep bouts standing. His submission attempt rate of just 0.2 per 15 minutes underlines that his ground game is built on escape rather than offense.
Luke Rockhold, the 41-year-old former middleweight champion and American Kickboxing Academy product with a 16-6 record, argued that Strickland is extremely difficult to keep on the mat despite not being a technically polished grappler, describing him as the toughest possible test for Chimaev. Jorge Masvidal backed that view, saying he has personally watched Strickland return to his feet even when rolled with heavyweights in the gym. Training partner Sharaf Davlatmurodov added more structural detail, noting that Strickland drills constantly alongside collegiate wrestlers and has developed sharp instincts for standing back up and breaking wrist control.
The consensus among those closest to Strickland is that his defensive grappling is rooted in wrestling-based escapes and framing rather than traditional guard retention or submission threats from his back.
One data point frequently cited is Strickland's performance against Dricus Du Plessis, the 32-year-old South African ranked second in the middleweight division at 23-3. Du Plessis averages 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes, and Strickland was taken down six times in that contest yet consistently found his way upright.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's wrestling is widely regarded as a tier above Du Plessis's, raising questions about whether Strickland's escape habits will hold up.
- If Strickland can neutralize the takedown game, the fight likely favors his striking volume.
- The middleweight title is directly on the line, with divisional rankings implications for both men.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
