Khamzat Chimaev puts his UFC middleweight title on the line when he squares off with former champion Sean Strickland in the main attraction of UFC 328 tonight.
This is a polarizing matchup that features a critical style clash between striking and wrestling, with both men possessing world-class skills in their respective disciplines.
Current UFC odds have the champion Chimaev as a massive -575 favorite, and my Chimaev vs. Strickland predictions and free betting picks for May 9 are backing him to handle business and retain his 185-pound strap.
Chimaev vs Strickland fight prediction: Chimaev moneyline (-500)
Khamzat Chimaev looks to run his record to a perfect 16-0, and make the first successful defense of his newly-acquired UFC middleweight title. Former champion Sean Strickland, meanwhile, is on a mission to reclaim his gold after producing a stellar underdog win versus Anthony Hernandez.
Chimaev utilizes his top-notch wrestling skills to ground opponents and suffocate any potential offense. Strickland, on the other hand, is a volume-based kickboxer.
Strickland will no doubt try to drag the champion into deeper waters and test his cardio, but Chimaev will prove he’s well-rounded and squash any problems that come his way.
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Chimaev vs Strickland best bet: Chimaev by decision (+335)
This fight figures to play out similarly to Chimaev’s most recent outing versus Dricus Du Plessis, where he scored 12 takedowns and racked up nearly 22 minutes of control time.
The 32-year old no doubt has a dangerous grappling game, but Strickland has never been submitted in 37 professional fights, and has been stopped inside the distance just once in the past eight years.
Instead, expect to see a dominant outing from Chimaev, as he routinely puts Strickland on his back and secures top position.
With no serious durability issues on either side, this fight will play out for the entirety of 25 minutes before it’s inevitably announced that the champion retains his title by unanimous decision.
COVERS INTEL: Chimaev sports just a 33% finish rate since moving up to middleweight.Khamzat Chimaev vs Sean Strickland odds
 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Method of Victory | Chimaev | Strickland |
| To win outright | -500 | +365 |
| To win by KO/TKO | +290 | +1050 |
| To win by decision | +335 | +900 |
| To win by submission | +105 | +3300 |
| Total rounds | Over 3.5 +110 |
Under 3.5 -140 |
Odds as of 5-9.
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Khamzat Chimaev vs Sean Strickland tale of the tape
| Chimaev | Strickland | |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | Age | 35 |
| 6-foot-2 | Height | 6-foot-1 |
| Middleweight | Weight Class | Middleweight |
| 75 inches | Reach | 76 inches |
| 15-0 | Record | 30-7 |
| 6 | Wins by KO | 12 |
| 6 | Wins by submission | 4 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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