Francis Ngannou reveals Sean Strickland’s training focus ahead of Khamzat Chimaev bout

Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

In less than two weeks, one of the UFC’s most anticipated rivalries will finally be settled inside the Octagon. At UFC 328, Khamzat Chimaev is set to face Sean Strickland in a bout that has been building significant momentum.

‘Borz’ enters the contest as the favourite, with many expecting his grappling to prove decisive. However, Strickland has been putting together a focused training camp to prepare for the challenge.

Francis Ngannou has now offered further insight into that preparation. The former champion shared details about what the 35-year-old American has been prioritising ahead of the title fight.

Francis Ngannou says Sean Strickland focusing on wrestling for Khamzat Chimaev fight

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Ngannou and Strickland have spent some time training together at Xtreme Couture, giving ‘The Predator’ a clear view of his teammate’s approach.

In that context, the heavyweight star revealed that Strickland has placed particular emphasis on improving his wrestling, a strategy that directly addresses Chimaev’s strongest weapon.

“[Strickland] is a good teammate. We’ve been in the same gym for years now. I’ve been around before many of his fights, even though this one [against Khamzat] it’s different,” Ngannou told Helen Yee.

“It’s a very tough fight, but he has the right partner, and he’s doing a good job for it, putting emphasis on wrestling.”

Francis Ngannou set for MMA return after Sean Strickland bout

Ngannou’s own schedule adds further intrigue to the coming weeks, as he is preparing for his return to MMA shortly after Strickland’s fight.