Khamzat Chimaev admits only a finish over Sean Strickland at UFC 328 can shake off ‘boring’ label

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Khamzat Chimaev admits something big needs to happen to fix his reputation

Khamzat Chimaev knows he needs to do something big at UFC 328 if he wants to change the way people see him.

Chimaev will put his middleweight title on the line for the first time on May 9, facing former teammate Sean Strickland in a highly anticipated main event.

Leading up to their fight in Newark, New Jersey, things have only gotten more heated, with both men hinting at violence beyond the cage.

Chimaev admits he must score a finish at UFC 328 to change his reputation

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

‘Borz’s’ UFC 328 fight camp has been heavily documented on social media, with the Chechen looking in the best shape he has ever looked.

And with him being heavily favoured to beat his long-time rival, Chimaev has admitted that he must score the finish to change his current reputation among fans.

Despite his sheer dominance against Dricus Du Plessis to win the title, fans were disappointed that Chimaev didn’t really come close to a finish.

“Yeah, for sure I have to finish him, otherwise people will (continue) to call me a boring fighter,” Chimaev said this past Thursday during an open workout media scrum.

Although Strickland has remained extremely outspoken ahead of their clash, ‘Borz’ is attempting to remain calm and collected.

Chimaev is predicted to have a tougher challenge taking Strickland down than he did with Du Plessis, who he took down 12 times.

Strickland currently holds a takedown defence percentage of 76%, whereas Du Plessis’ is 34%.

“They’re all the same for me,” Chimaev said regarding all of his past opponents. “It should be (easy to take him down), it was easy. We trained five years ago and I don’t think he’s changed, so let’s see.”