SunStar Quijano
Published on: May 09, 2026, 12:44 pm
It is time to hide the women and the children at UFC 328 as the adage goes. And if the weigh-in prior to the fight is a harbinger of things to come, then we are in for unadulterated mayhem as Khamzat Chimaev takes on Sean Strickland for the middleweight crown.
Chimaev: The Unrelenting Force
Chimaev stands six-foot-two of pure, unrelenting violence. He does not fight; he hunts. With nine first-round finishes in 15 professional wins, including six knockouts and six submissions, he is a grappling nightmare. His style is akin to an anaconda ready to squeeze tighter than your true love. He dominated Robert Whittaker with a first-round submission in 2024, then dismantled Dricus du Plessis in a five-round masterclass to snatch the title. Chimaev's explosive wrestling abilities drag opponents to the mat, where he viciously ground-and-pounds them. He is the favorite for a reason—undefeated, unstoppable, and ready for a dominant reign.
Strickland: The Unbreakable Philly Shell Assassin
Strickland, the older fighter, holds a 30-7 record and has been in the cage with the best. He boasts wins over Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa. In February 2026, he starched Anthony Hernandez with third-round bombs to remind everyone he is still an elite fighter. He is the ultimate survivor—tough as nails, smart, and always fueled by spite. A master of stand-up fighting, he is a boxing technician with a street-fighter's soul—unorthodox, unrelenting, and almost impossible to break. Oddsmakers have Chimaev as the favorite at -550, but this fight is much closer than most realize.
My Take
Chimaev will aim to close the distance, take Strickland down, and drown him. Strickland wants to stay on his feet, unleash awkward, high-volume striking, and make the Russian pay for advancing. My heart goes out to Strickland, and I sincerely hope he performs well. However, I believe Chimaev's smothering pressure will eventually wear Strickland out. The bad blood between these two will boil over, but that likely favors the more methodical fighter. The kick at the press conference was not just showmanship; it was a declaration that Chimaev owns this division. Strickland will come out firing, and his best chance is to catch Chimaev early. But I think the younger fighter has the advantage in strength and stamina, and the longer the fight goes, the weaker Strickland will become. Do not blink—this will be savage.
Last Round
This one is for my daughter Jenya Mary Louise, who celebrates her birthday this week. Love you, baby; we are so proud of you. Cheers!
