Islam Makhachev praises Sean Strickland ahead of his fight with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328.

Sean Strickland backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

On a collision course to face Khamzat Chimaev with the middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg) at stake, Sean Strickland is seen as the underdog for the main fight of the night. However, the American promises to represent one of the great challenges to the reign of the Chechen, undefeated as a professional. In this context, this also seems to be the opinion of the current welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) Islam Makhachev , who spoke about the subject in an interview with 'Red Corner MMA' this Friday (8).

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When comparing Strickland's skills to Dricus Du Plessis , whom the Chechen defeated in his last fight, Makhachev said he believes the American will not accept the physically imposing, takedown-based game in order to make things difficult for the champion.

“Unlike Dricus du Plessis , who was lying on his back and couldn’t get up, I think Strickland will get up, stand up, and fight back.”

Islam Makhachev thinks Sean Strickland can give Khamzat Chimaev a tough fight 👀

“Unlike it was with Dricus du Plessis who was lying on his back and couldn't get up, I think Strickland will be working his way up, getting up and fighting back.

Strickland is bit of an unhinged… pic.twitter.com/A9XxpU0ne1

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 8, 2026

Makhachev spoke about the beef between Chimaev and Strickland

Makhachev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Courtesy of Facebook/UFC

When addressing the rivalry and intense exchange of taunts between the two fighters, Makhachev was candid in questioning Strickland's mental health. He also recalled some episodes in which he interacted with the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) and felt no animosity from the American, who has been calling Chechnya a third-world country to attack his rival.

“Strickland is a bit of an out-of-control guy. He’s taken a lot of hits during his career. I’ve met him personally and we’ve talked… they all act normal when you talk to them in person, but when the camera starts rolling, they can’t contain themselves,” he concluded.

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