Islam Makhachev is undoubtedly one of the UFC's best fighters today. The Russian star currently sits first in the pound-for-pound rankings while also holding the UFC welterweight championship.
Makhachev rarely comments on fights outside his division or discusses unrelated matchups. However, that changed recently when he weighed in on Sean Strickland's chances against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328.
Much of the discussion about the UFC 328 main event centers on the stylistic contrast between the two fighters entering the title clash. Many believe Chimaev's wrestling-heavy pressure will become the deciding factor during the matchup. However, some believe Strickland's unorthodox striking and durability could surprise the champion.
Chimaev dominated Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in one of the most one-sided decisions. However, Du Plessis also holds two victories over Strickland from their meetings at UFC 297 and UFC 312. Despite those results, the debate surrounding the UFC 328 main event has continued growing. Makhachev recently became the latest fighter to weigh in and leaned slightly toward Strickland's chances.
If Khamzat can do it, maybe it'll actually be a very easy fight for him. But if it goes all 5 rounds, then I think Khamzat will really have to work hard. It's not like fighting that Du Plessis who just lay on his back. I think Strickland will keep trying to get back up, stand up again, and continue fighting. The guys who worked with him at Xtreme Couture in Vegas told me: When you take him down, he constantly tries to stand back up.He doesn't stay down. I take him down, but he constantly gets back up and starts working again on the feet.
Makhachev's analysis has echoed opinions shared throughout the MMA community for months. Chimaev remains the dominant fighter heading into UFC 328 and is an overwhelming favorite. However, some still believe 'Tarzan' can survive the pressure and eventually secure victory. That group includes middleweight contender Joe Pyfer, who recently backed Strickland against the Chechen phenom.
Chimaev and Makhachev have long been linked because of their Caucasus roots and strong ties to Russia. Rumors also once circulated about a potential fight between the two dominant UFC fighters. However, Makhachev immediately downplayed the idea and showed little interest in facing Chimaev. It is also important to note that 'Borz' had previously beefed with members from Khabib Nurmagomedov's team.
Islam Makhachev is well aware of the threat Khamzat Chimaev poses inside the cage. The Dagestani champion captured the UFC welterweight title at UFC 322 using a dominant wrestling approach. Chimaev also won the middleweight championship at UFC 319 through relentless grappling pressure against DDP. Due to that, Makhachev's comments about Strickland at UFC 328 undoubtedly carry strong backing.
Sean Strickland is undoubtedly one of the UFC's most controversial fighters today. The former middleweight champion is known for his polarizing personality and expletive-filled rants, which regularly place him under scrutiny. Strickland has repeatedly made headlines for his behavior during appearances throughout his career. His microphone was even cut off during the UFC Houston press conference.
That side of Strickland has been on full display heading into UFC 328. He has repeatedly called out Khamzat Chimaev, intensifying tensions. Strickland also accused the champion of reportedly missing weight during the controversial UFC 328 weigh-in situation. However, Islam Makhachev believes none of that reflects Strickland's real personality based on their previous meetings.
Strickland is bit of an unhinged guy. He took a bit too many hits throughout his career. I met him in person and we talked. They all act normal when you talk in person, yet when the camera starts rolling they can't hold themselves back.
Makhachev's comments added another layer to the growing discussion surrounding Strickland before UFC 328. The Dagestani superstar himself rarely relies on trash talk and has instead built his reputation through dominant performances inside the cage. That contrast made his recent assessment of the controversial middleweight contender stand out even more before the championship fight.
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