UFC 328: Sean Strickland's Nightmare Scenario Vs. Khamzat Chimaev Broken Down
A breakdown of the worst-case scenario for Sean Strickland against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, from the early striking exchange to the long-term gatekeeper fallout.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 21: Sean Strickland prepares to face Anthony Hernandez in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Toyota Center on February 21, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Zuffa LLC Sean Strickland is a massive underdog heading into the main event of UFC 328 against Khamzat Chimaev on Saturday, May 9 in New Jersey. Losing isn't the only potential issue for Strickland, it's how he could lose.
There is a practical scenario that could see Strickland lose in a way that is humiliating and that results in him being relegated to gatekeeper status for the rest of his career. What Does Sean Strickland Need to Do to Win? It's pretty simple, but really hard to execute.
Strickland has to prove he is capable of stopping the takedown. Strickland's takedown defense sits around 72%, which is workable against most middleweights but not the bar he needs against a champion who landed 12 takedowns and controlled 22 of 25 minutes against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 . Stuff the early shots, drag the fight into the championship rounds where Chimaev has historically slowed, and Strickland's volume jab becomes a real weapon.
Fail to defend even the first takedown cleanly and the entire game plan unravels. What's the Worst-Case Scenario for Sean Strickland at UFC 328? If Chimaev decides to extend this fight a bit early, he could choose to keep things standing in the first round.