Kamaru Usman Backs Sean Strickland to Challenge Khamzat Chimaev's Wrestling Dominance

Khamzat Chimaev, the reigning UFC middleweight champion since UFC 319, is preparing for his first title defense. Following his recent victory over Anthony Hernandez in a title eliminator, Sean Strickland promptly challenged Chimaev. The intense rivalry building between them led the UFC to swiftly schedule this highly anticipated middleweight title showdown.

This pivotal fight is set to headline UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. After the official announcement, various martial arts experts and analysts, including former UFC champion Kamaru Usman, have offered their predictions for the bout.

On the "Pound 4 Pound Show," Kamaru Usman commented on Chimaev, stating, "Khamzat Chimaev is a truly special talent capable of remarkable feats. However, we're still awaiting a truly comprehensive performance from him, as he often relies on a single dominant skill to win his fights. The question remains who can neutralize this primary strength, forcing him to showcase his full range of abilities."

Usman previously faced Chimaev on short notice, enduring three rounds. He noted that despite Chimaev's exceptional wrestling, he hasn't yet encountered an elite wrestler with strong takedown defense, suggesting this could be a vulnerability.

Sean Strickland is confident he possesses the necessary skills, resilience, and mental fortitude to overcome Khamzat Chimaev in their much-anticipated clash. Their intense rivalry, fueled by personal insults, has significantly heightened fan interest and the overall intensity of the upcoming fight.

UFC Veteran Questions Strickland's Title Shot Over Imavov

Prior to Strickland's recent win and subsequent title shot, Nassourdine Imavov was considered the next contender. Although Imavov and Chimaev had a verbal agreement to fight, the UFC apparently felt this matchup lacked sufficient fan excitement.

Former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad expressed his view on the situation via his YouTube channel, asserting it was unjust for Imavov. Muhammad remarked, "You have to sympathize with Imavov. He earned that title shot. But then, thanks to trash talk and the current era where Strickland can talk his way into a title opportunity, things changed."

😬Belal Muhammad says Sean Strickland doesn’t deserve title shot against Chimaev:

“You gotta feel for Imavov. He earned the title shot.

But then that trash talk, stupidity and the era we live in now where Strickland talks his way into a title shot.”

(via @bullyb170) pic.twitter.com/4hliuWOUT7

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) March 19, 2026

Historically, many UFC fighters, including figures like Conor McGregor, Chael Sonnen, and Colby Covington, have utilized trash talk to advance their careers and secure title opportunities. The crucial question now is whether Strickland can validate his verbal jabs with a victory over Khamzat Chimaev.