Sean Strickland is set to challenge Khamzat Chimaev for the UFC Middleweight Championship, and Jorge Masvidal thinks there will be a new titleholder.
Chimaev vs. Strickland is scheduled to headline UFC 328 in Newark on May 9. The title fight was booked after Strickland turned in a stellar performance in his second-round TKO finish over Anthony Hernandez. While Nassourdine Imavov had been thought of to be a prime candidate for a title shot, Strickland’s showing at UFC Houston and popularity earned him the fight.
Over at Death Row MMA, Masvidal explained why he believes Strickland will become a two-time middleweight champion at the conclusion of UFC 328 (h/t MMAJunkie).
“I know he went up to 185 and did some big things, but I don’t think he beats Strickland,” Masvidal said. “I’m dumping the house on Strickland. I don’t even think Chimaev fights him because they’ve trained a lot. He’s just a bad style for him.
“I’ve seen Sean go with good wrestlers over at American Top Team – guys who have wrestled their whole life, All-Americans, national champions. Dude, this guy can wrestle defensively. He never uses his wrestling in a fight, but if you try to wrestle with him, you quickly realize this guy can wrestle back, and that costs a lot of energy, and Chimaev doesn’t have the best gas tank.”
Masvidal also noted that he hasn’t been impressed by Chimaev outside of the one-sided grappling clinic against Dricus du Plessis back in Aug. 2025. “Gamebred” shared his belief that Kamaru Usman should’ve had his hand raised when he fought “Borz” back in Oct. 2023.
Also set for the UFC 328 card will be a welterweight clash between Sean Brady and Joaquin Buckley. Light heavyweights Jan Blachowicz and Bogdan Guskov are also scheduled to clash inside the Prudential Center. Heavyweights Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes Acosta will do battle as well.
What chances are you giving Sean Strickland of dethroning Khamzat Chimaev? Share your thoughts in the comments below.