Former champion bets on Chimaev as favorite against Strickland: 'He's going to crush him'

Chimaev is thrilled to confirm his UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

With the countdown to the highly anticipated main event of UFC 328 across Khamzat Shimaev e Sean StricklandSeveral MMA personalities have expressed their opinions on the highly anticipated rivalry-filled duel. While some opt for more lenient analyses, others see clear favorites in the fight, as is the case with... Robert whittaker. For the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg.), the Chechen should have no difficulty in successfully defending the belt for the first time. He spoke about the subject in an interview with Paramount+ this Monday (4).

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Speaking about the technical aspects of the match, he stated that the current champion should have no difficulty taking his opponent to the ground. Based on this prediction, the Australian believes that Strickland will be no match for Lobo, who is undefeated as a professional.

“After being there with Chimaev, seeing what he can do when he gets his hands on you, and he will be able to do it. Because he goes in for a takedown from a very long distance and commits quite a bit. So he will be able to take you to the ground. The question is what happens after that. We saw that he has the cardio to do that for five rounds. With a gun to my head, Chimaev will run him over,” he stated.

Robert whittaker believes Khamzat Shimaev is going to “run over” Sean Strickland 😳

“Having been in there with Chimaev… gun to my head, Chimaev's gonna run him over.”

(via @UFConParamount) pic.twitter.com/hBYNK9ZFKh

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 4, 2026

Known for his wrestling skills, Lobo averages over five takedowns per fight. In addition, his jiu-jitsu is honed by Brazilian Alan Finfou. In total, six of the Chechen fighter's victories have been achieved by submission.

Whittaker was brutally finished off by Chimaev.

Khamzat vs. Whittaker – UFC 308. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Despite having shared the octagon with some of the most skilled names in the history of the sport, no fighter has had such a brutal victory against the former champion as... Khamzat ShimaevThe two tested their strength in UFC 308And despite the expectation generated by the confrontation, the Chechen managed to take him down and locked in a tight rear-naked choke within minutes. The force generated by the choke was so great that it caused a serious injury to the Australian's jaw.