Michel Pereira opened up about the anticipated duel between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev . A teammate of the American at Xtreme Couture, the Brazilian analyzed the fight valid for the middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg) at UFC 328 , which takes place this Saturday (9), in New Jersey (USA). Current champion, Chimaev makes his first title defense, while Strickland tries to regain the position of king of the category.
Present in the former champion's daily training, Michel highlighted Strickland's high technical level, but also pointed out a factor that, in his view, could make a difference in a fight of this caliber. According to the Brazilian, a lack of focus on physical training could be a determining factor against a more complete opponent in this aspect.
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Furthermore, the fighter also analyzed Chimaev's style, known for its strong wrestling base and physical dominance. According to Michel, this combination could be a significant factor throughout the rounds, especially in a fight that tends to demand stamina, strength, and control in grappling situations. When discussing the upcoming fight, the Brazilian described it as balanced, but admitted seeing a slight advantage for the Russian.
"Man, it's a really tough fight for Strickland. For me, he's a top-tier fighter, exceptional. The guy trains every day, my brother. He's a beast, he's very good. But I see that he still needs to improve in some areas. They're details that you adjust and evolve. He himself has already added things to my game, but he's kind of stubborn, you know? He doesn't listen to others very much."
Now, to help you out, my brother, there's no better guy. I've sparred with him before, arriving tired, sometimes even a bit battered, and I go there to help because he helps me a lot too. But I think he needs to improve a bit physically. Strickland doesn't train physically. It's just fighting, fighting, fighting… and that's it.
But, in my opinion, he needed to invest more in the physical aspect. Add a little more to that. You see Chimaev, for example: he trains wrestling, but he also works a lot on his physique. I see a slight advantage for Chimaev because of his physique. Not that Strickland will get tired, but Chimaev is stronger.
"The fight could go Strickland, it could go Chimaev. But I see a slight advantage for Chimaev. Now, of course, I'm rooting for Strickland," said Michel Pereira in an interview with the YouTube channel 'Laerte Viana na Área – MMA'.
Rivalry and a championship belt at stake at UFC 328
On one side, Chimaev seeks to consolidate his reign in his first title defense at UFC 328 ; on the other, Strickland attempts to reclaim the top spot in the division in a highly anticipated fight.
The duel is still marked by a rivalry that began during training at Xtreme Couture, where they were teammates. The relationship began to deteriorate over time and, since then, they have exchanged public criticisms, with the two becoming declared enemies.
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