Chimaev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
By all indications, Khamzat Chimaev will arrive in top form to face Sean Strickland at UFC 328 , scheduled for May 9th. "The Wolf" will face the American in the main event, in a title fight for the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). To overcome his outspoken rival, the Chechen has adopted a more aggressive approach in training, something that, it seems, has not been pleasant for his teammates.
In a video posted by Adam Zubayraev, Chimaev appears in a sparring session with Brendan Allen , currently ranked fourth in the division. Despite their proximity in the division, the post-training footage shows the American visibly exhausted after the activity.
Khamzat Chimaev sparring with Brendan Allen ahead of the Sean Strickland fight 👏
via: @AdamZubayraev pic.twitter.com/AzU9cpcuFs
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 22, 2026
Brendan Allen after sparring with Khamzat Chimaev 😬
(Via @AdamZubayraev ) https://t.co/1D3cI650Fp pic.twitter.com/4NvefnZo9b
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 22, 2026
Khamzat Chimaev wants his second UFC belt.
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Since defeating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August 2025 and winning the middleweight title, Chimaev has made it clear that he wants to move up a weight class in pursuit of a second belt in the organization. Given this, expectations are growing among fans that, in the event of a victory over Strickland, the champion will challenge the light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg), currently held by Carlos Ulberg.
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