Outside Source
Sean Strickland (30-7) is scheduled to challenge Chimaev (15-0) for the middleweight title in the main event at UFC 328 on May 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. While Chimaev is a heavy favorite, many believe Strickland could pose a serious threat to the Chechen-born champion.
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Pyfer wants Strickland to defeat Chimaev. Pyfer doesn’t like the inactivity of Chimaev, who is set to defend his title for the first time since winning it against Dricus Du Plessis in August 2025. Pyfer believes Strickland’s elite defense will be his strongest weapon against Strickland. While Strickland has lost twice against Du Plessis, Pyfer believes the South African was a stylistically unsuitable matchup for Strickland.
Defense Wins Championships?
“I want Sean Strickland to win,” Pyfer said on the “Death Row MMA” podcast. “I don’t like the inactivity of Khamzat… I think more than anything, Sean’s got good defense. Doesn’t really get clipped too much where he is taking massive shots and then it builds up over time. I think DDP was a wild card for him cause he is just as awkward. But I got Sean Strickland. I’m not even gonna say it, but I’m not a fan of the other side.”
Strickland lost his title to Du Plessis in 2024 and failed to regain it in their rematch last year. Strickland has since rebounded with anupset win against Anthony Hernandez this past February. Meanwhile, Chimaev almost walked through every UFC opponent so far, barring Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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