Jimmy Robles
UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev will make his first defense of the title against Sean Strickland on Saturday. The championship fight is set to headline UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
After dethroning Dricus Du Plessis for the 185-pound championship title last August, Chimaev (15-0) aims to keep his undefeated record intact and cement his status as the middleweight kingpin. Strickland (30-7) last held the championship two years ago. He will get another shot as he takes on one of the UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighters.
In anticipation of fight week, we take a look at five of the greatest moments in “Borz’s” UFC run.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Destructive UFC Debut
In July 2020, the native of Chechen Republic, Russia, made his UFC debut with a professional record of 6-0. He took on John Phillips. Within a few seconds of the opening round, Chimaev took him down to the ground. Phillips struggled to get back on his feet the entire round, and Chimaev landed a punishing total of 72 strikes in the first round alone. In the second round, Chimaev picked up where he left off and took Phillips down for a second time.
Just over a minute later, the Russian got Phillips to tap on a brabo choke. The quick outing was a big statement from Chimaev in his debut with the leading MMA promotion.
Fastest 3-Fight Win Streak in UFC History
Chimaev went up against Gerald Meerschaert in September 2020. One flush right hand was all it took to put Meerschaert out, as Chimaev scored a knockout victory at just 0:17 of the first round. It was the shortest outing of his run with the UFC (but not his professional career).
With the win, he earned his third consecutive Performance of the Night bonus. Chimaev also won his third straight fight in the span of just 66 days. This set a record for the fastest three-fight winning streak in UFC history.
Out Grappling a UFC Legend at UFC 294
A step-up in competition, Chimaev faced former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in October 2023. “The Nigerian Nightmare” had elite takedown defense and was taken down just once in his UFC career.
However, Chimaev scored four takedowns against Usman, along with 7:16 of control time. Chimaev also outlanded Usman in total strikes, 107-58, to earn a majority decision win. A decisive victory over a former world champion proved Chimaev’s case as a high-caliber fighter.
Breaking Robert Whittaker’s Jaw at UFC 308
Chimaev squared off against former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 in October 2024. The undefeated prospect continued to showcase his fast pace and elite level of wrestling, with a takedown in the first round.
“The Reaper” eventually scrambled to escape momentarily, only for Chimaev to sweep him back to the ground. With over a minute remaining in the round, Chimaev got Whittaker to tap on a face crank submission. It was only the second time Whittaker was defeated by submission in the UFC.
Winning Gold at UFC 319
Last August at UFC 319, Chimaev received his first title shot against then-UFC middleweight champion Du Plessis. “Stillknocks” had one of the lowest takedown defenses among top-level fighters. It showed against Chimaev, who scored 12 takedowns and controlled the defending champion for a whopping total of 21:40.
The challenger also landed 529 total strikes, to Du Plessis’ underwhelming 45 total. Another UFC record was set by Chimaev for the most total strikes landed in a single fight.
In a complete mismatch and one-sided contest, all three judges scored the fight 50-45 to award Chimaev a unanimous decision win, along with his first world championship title.
