UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev will make his first title defense 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 maintain his undefeated record and solidify his status as a middleweight kingpin. Strickland (30-7) last won a championship two years ago. He'll get another chance when he takes on one of the UFC's top pound-for-pound fighters.
In anticipation of fight week, we take a look at the five greatest moments of "Borz's" UFC run.
Khamzat Chimaev's disastrous UFC debut
In July 2020, the native of Chechen Republic, Russia made his UFC debut with a professional record of 6-0. He defeated John Phillips. Within seconds of the opening round, Chimaev knocked him to the ground. Phillips struggled to get back to his feet throughout the round and Chimaev landed a total of 72 strikes in the first round alone. In the second round, Chimaev continued where he left off and defeated Phillips for the second time.
Just over a minute later, the Russian got Phillips to tap out for a Brabo choke. The quick outing was a big statement from Chimaev in his debut with a major MMA promotion.
Fastest 3-fight win streak in UFC history
In September 2020, Chimaev went up against Gerald Meerschaert. A single right hand effort was enough to knock out Meerschaert, as Chimaev earned a knockout victory at just 0:17 of the first round. This was the shortest period of his tenure with the UFC (but not of his professional career).
With the win, he earned his third consecutive Performance of the Night bonus. Chimaev also won his third consecutive fight in a span of just 66 days. This set a record for the fastest three-fight win streak in UFC history.
Out-Grappling a UFC Legend at UFC 294
Taking a step up in competition, Chimaev faces former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in October 2023. "The Nigerian Nightmare" possessed elite takedown defense and was only knocked down once in his UFC career.
However, Chimaev scored four takedowns against Usman, with 7:16 of control time remaining. Chimaev won by majority decision, defeating Usman 107–58 in total strikes. The decision victory over a former world champion proved Chimaev's case as a high-caliber fighter.
Breaking Robert Whittaker's jaw at UFC 308
Chimaev faced former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 in October 2024. With a first round loss, the undefeated prospect continued to showcase his fast speed and elite level of wrestling.
Eventually "Reaper" briefly tried to escape, but Chimaev pinned him back to the ground. With just over a minute remaining in the round, Chimaev induced Whittaker to tap to the face crank submission. This was only the second time Whittaker was defeated by submission in the UFC.
Winning gold at UFC 319
Last August at UFC 319, Chimaev got his first title shot against reigning UFC middleweight champion Du Plessis. "Stilnox" had one of the lowest takedown protections among top level fighters. This showed against Chimaev, who scored 12 takedowns and controlled the defending champion to a total of 21:40.
The challenger landed a total of 529 strikes compared to du Plessis' total of 45. Another UFC record was set by Chimaev for most total strikes in a single fight.
In a completely uneven and one-sided fight, all three judges scored the fight 50–45, giving Chimaev the unanimous decision victory and his first World Championship title.
