The stage is set for one of the most highly anticipated clashes in recent UFC memory, as Khamzat Chimaev prepares to defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, in Newark, New Jersey. The MMA world is buzzing, but few voices have been as emphatic—or as dismissive—about Strickland’s chances as former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington. According to Covington, this is a mismatch from the jump, with Chimaev’s grappling prowess simply too much for Strickland to handle.
Chimaev, who boasts a flawless 15-0 professional MMA record and a 9-0 run in the UFC, enters the octagon not only as the defending champion but also as a heavy favorite. His dominance was on full display at UFC 319, where he dismantled Dricus Du Plessis to capture the middleweight crown, executing 12 takedowns and maintaining control for over 21 minutes. That kind of performance has only fueled the narrative that Chimaev is operating on a different level than his peers.
Sean Strickland, meanwhile, is no slouch. With a professional record of 30-7 and 17 UFC wins, he’s a seasoned competitor who earned his shot at the title by snapping Anthony Hernandez’s impressive eight-fight win streak with a second-round TKO at UFC Houston. Strickland’s path back to the title picture was forged in grit and determination, but for Covington, that’s just not enough against a force like Chimaev.
Covington didn’t mince words when he appeared on Submission Radio. “No, I’m not giving him a chance,” Covington declared when asked about Strickland’s prospects. “Hernandez and Khamzat are completely different levels of grapplers and the way they approach their strategies. So, I think Khamzat’s going to take him down and submit him.”
Backing up his bold prediction, Covington referenced sparring sessions from a couple of years ago at Xtreme Couture, where he claims Chimaev dominated Strickland with apparent ease. “Schmo went and watched them spar back at Xtreme Couture a couple of years ago, and he pretty much said it wasn’t competitive. Khamzat was just taking him down and submitting him, so I expect that same damn plan. He’s not going to be stupid and strike with Sean and make it a kickboxing fight. He’s just going to make it straight grappling, and I think he’s going to put Strickland in some really bad positions and either submit him or just hold him down for 25 minutes.”
That’s a strong statement, and it’s one that’s been echoed by many in the MMA community, who see Chimaev’s wrestling as a puzzle Strickland simply can’t solve. But as any fight fan knows, the octagon is a place where predictions can be upended in an instant. Strickland’s own journey to this point is proof of that—few expected him to topple Hernandez in such dominant fashion, yet he did so with authority.
The backstory to this title fight is as spicy as the matchup itself. Chimaev and Strickland have traded barbs on social media in the months leading up to UFC 328, adding a layer of personal animosity to what’s already a high-stakes contest. Strickland, never one to shy away from controversy, has accused Chimaev of being inactive and always having an “injury excuse” to avoid stepping into the cage. Chimaev, for his part, has responded with his trademark bravado, vowing to silence his challenger once and for all.
Their online feud has only heightened the sense of anticipation among fans, with many seeing this as the first true grudge match at the elite level in quite some time. It’s the kind of rivalry the UFC thrives on—two fighters with genuine animosity, both with something to prove, and a world championship on the line.
Chimaev’s absence from competition since August 2025 has sparked its own set of questions. While he’s remained vocal and ever-present on social media, critics have wondered if the layoff might affect his sharpness. Strickland’s recent activity and momentum, especially after his emphatic win over Hernandez, could play a role if the champion shows any signs of rust.
Yet, Covington remains unmoved by such speculation. His assessment is rooted in what he sees as a fundamental mismatch in grappling ability. “He’s not going to be stupid and strike with Sean and make it a kickboxing fight,” Covington reiterated. “He’s just going to make it straight grappling, and I think he’s going to put Strickland in some really bad positions and either submit him or just hold him down for 25 minutes.”
For Strickland, the challenge is clear: find a way to keep the fight standing and avoid Chimaev’s relentless takedowns. Easier said than done, of course. Chimaev’s dominance over Du Plessis at UFC 319 was a masterclass in control, and few have managed to slow down the Chechen-born phenom once he gets his hands on them.
But Strickland’s confidence is undiminished. He’s made a career out of defying expectations, and his brash, no-nonsense approach has won him both fans and detractors. The question now is whether he can translate that swagger into an effective game plan against arguably the most dangerous grappler in the division.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. For Chimaev, a successful defense would cement his status as one of the sport’s most dominant champions and open the door to potential superfights down the line. For Strickland, it’s a shot at redemption and a chance to silence the doubters—Covington chief among them—who have written him off before the cage door even closes.
With fight night approaching, the tension is palpable. The odds may favor Chimaev, but as the saying goes, anything can happen in MMA. Will Strickland find a way to pull off the upset, or will Chimaev’s grappling once again prove insurmountable? Fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out, as UFC 328 promises fireworks and, perhaps, a few surprises along the way.
As the MMA world turns its eyes to Newark, the only certainty is that this grudge match has all the ingredients for an unforgettable night. Whether Covington’s prediction holds true or Strickland shocks the world, UFC 328 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event for fight fans everywhere.