Brendan Allen: How Chimaev approaches Strickland will shock people

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Brendan Allen has been a key training partner for Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328.

Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) defends his middleweight title against former champ Sean Strickland (30-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC) in the UFC 328 main event on May 9 in Newark, N.J. (Paramount+).

Allen (26-7 MMA, 14-4 UFC) was stopped by Strickland in a catchweight bout in 2020, but has managed to remain a top middleweight contender. After spending time helping Chimaev prep for his first title defense, he expects the champion to overwhelm Strickland.

"I think Khamzat is too skilled," Allen told MMA Junkie and other reporters. "Sean's kind of a one-trick pony, kind of lazy, doesn't really possess a crazy amount of skill. He's just super awkward when you're in there with him, and if you never experienced that, then it's a shock.

"But I think Khamzat's too skilled. I think he's going to be too skilled. Now he's older, he's smarter, he's wiser with his mentality, with his emotions, and his skill level. I think he's going to be too much for Sean, and I think how he approaches the fight is going to shock a lot of people."

Allen takes on Edmen Shahbazyan (16-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 278 on June 6, which takes place at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas (Paramount+). Having Chimaev as part of his training camp has been a valuable experience.

"It's been a great opportunity," Allen said. "It's been a great experience. I've learned a lot, had a lot of good gos, and what a way for me to jump into camp than finishing it up with the champ at the end of his camp. So great experience, the team was great, creating a bond with Khamzat was great. He's a good friend to me now, and I look forward to the future."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Brendan Allen: Chimaev's approach at UFC 328 'shocks a lot of people'