
Bolton edge Bradford in first leg of L1 semi after super Cozier-Duberry strike
Bolton edges Bradford 1-0 in League One play-off semi-final first leg
Sean Strickland is predicted to achieve UFC's fastest KO against Khamzat Chimaev due to an aggressive fighting style. Tensions between the two may lead to an early takedown attempt from Strickland.
Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
Sean Strickland will likely be anticipating a very early takedown from Khamzat Chimaev.
Stricklandâs former teammate thinks that he could finish Chimaev later today, predicting a more aggressive approach due to the tension between the two.
While the undefeated championâs last fight wasnât exactly a fan favourite, he usually doesnât wait long before trying to overwhelm his opponents.
Chimaev has said that he needs to stop Strickland after fans questioned his style, but Stephen Thompson believes this mindset could backfire on âBorzâ.
Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images
Khamzat Chimaevâs shaky weigh-in raised eyebrows, with many fans worried about how drained he looked ahead of his middleweight title fight.
Still, itâs hard to imagine the champion straying from his usual approachâheâll likely look for a takedown in the opening moments, as he often does.
In a conversation with Ariel Helwani, Thompson drew comparisons to Jorge Masvidalâs quick finish over Ben Askren: âI predict we may have another Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren on our hands,â he said.
âCheck it out, maybe. Khamzat, every time he comes out, heâll either fake a high five, heâll throw like one punch and then shoot immediately. I think Stricklandâs got⊠heâs waiting for that. Of course if he doesnât get it, itâs going to be a bad day for Strickland. But heâs got that one instant where he can make it happen.â
While their rivalry has cooled since then, the lead-up to their 2019 clash was filled with tension. Still, Masvidal managed to keep his cool and took advantage of Askrenâs habit of shooting early by landing a perfectly-timed flying knee.
As Thompson highlighted in his analysis before the fight started at UFC Saudi Arabia: âOf course if he doesnât get it, itâs going to be a bad day for Strickland.â
Should Strickland miss or fail to land cleanly with the knee strike or even another counterattack during Chimaevâs initial shot attempt in round one? The former middleweight champion could find himself on bottom within seconds and lose control of the entire pace of the contest as well.
Read more:
Sean Strickland is predicted to potentially achieve UFC's fastest knockout against Khamzat Chimaev.
The tension stems from their past as teammates, which may lead to a more aggressive approach in their upcoming fight.
Khamzat Chimaev typically overwhelms his opponents quickly, which could influence Strickland's strategy in their match.

Bolton edges Bradford 1-0 in League One play-off semi-final first leg
Mumbai Indians face RCB without Hardik Pandya; Suryakumar Yadav to captain
Cavaliers secure crucial Game 3 victory over Pistons 116-109 with Mitchell's 35 points
Key Needs for the Buccaneers After the 2026 NFL Draft
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes the youngest to hit 100 T20 sixes in IPL 2026!
Pistons rally but fall short in Game 3 against Cavaliers, lead series 2-1
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.