Adesanya analyzes Chimaev vs. Strickland and points the way to an upset at UFC 328.

Adesanya focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) Israel Adesanya gave his opinion on one of the most anticipated fights of the moment and predicted the duel between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland for the category's belt at UFC 328. Among the highlights, the Nigerian cited the dangerous styles and how the fight could have an unpredictable outcome on May 9th in New Jersey (USA).

In an interview with 'UFC on Paramount', the former champion said that Strickland has a real chance of surprising, especially if he can withstand the initial pressure and take the fight to later rounds. However, Adesanya also mentioned Chimaev's aggressive style as a determining factor. According to the Nigerian, the current champion usually imposes an overwhelming pace from the first seconds, which could complicate the American's strategy.

“Khamzat is like a hurricane. I think Sean can surprise if the fight goes to later rounds and he doesn’t get taken down. But Chimaev is a guy who starts extremely aggressively from the beginning, and Strickland can probably match that intensity,” Adesanya said in an interview with 'UFC on Paramount'.

“Khamzat is a bat out of hell” – Israel Adesanya on Khamzat Chimaev

"I think Sean can upset if it goes to the later rounds and he doesn't get taken down. But Chimaev is a bat out of hell, he's a guy that comes aggressively straight away, and Strickland could match that… pic.twitter.com/sMO28EeooV

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 25, 2026

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Israel Adesanya's current form in MMA.

Israel Adesanya is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/X.

Israel Adesanya has a professional record of 24 wins and five losses. The 36-year-old Nigerian is scheduled to fight Joe Pyfer at UFC Fight Night 271 on March 28th in Seattle (USA). Currently ranked fourth in the division, this is a great opportunity for the former champion to once again compete for a title shot.

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