Tom Aspinall predicts Khamzat Chimaev will win against Sean Strickland at UFC 328. He acknowledges Strickland's striking ability but believes Chimaev's grappling will be decisive.
We're deep into UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland fight week and analysts, fighters, and fans are making their predictions for the main event middleweight title bout.
Undefeated champion Khamzat Chimaev puts his title on the line for the first time against former titleholder Sean Strickland and heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall revealed who he thinks will win.
"I think this is going to be a good fight, first of all. I think Khmazat, to me, looks pretty unstoppable at the moment with his takedowns and stuff. His striking, obviously he's very dangerous with his striking as well," Aspinall said on his YouTube channel. "I think Sean Strickland probably has a little bit of an edge in the striking department, but Khamzat's grappling. I don't know if Sean Strickland will be able to get up off the bottom enough times .
"That being said, I know Sean's coach. I've actually trained with Sean a little bit as well, only a tiny bit, though. But I know a lot of people who are close to him and everyone keeps saying how good he is at getting up off the bottom. So, I think it's going to be real interesting," Aspinall continued.
"The big question for me is like, how many times can he get up off the bottom without getting caught in a submission without getting tired. Khamzat will just rinse and repeat for the full five rounds ... If Strickland can come through that, not be exhausted, which he's never shown any signs of that before in my opinion and put him on the end of that awkward style that he's got with striking and really unorthodox stand up, I think there's definitely a chance for Strickland. But in my option I'm leaning a little bit toward Khamzat."
When asked to pick a winner, the heavyweight champion went with Chimaev to retain the belt.
"The verdict is for me Khamzat by decision. I think," Aspinall said. "I think it will be a little more competitive than the DDP [Dricus Du Plessis] fight, but I think Khamzat by decision."
Tom Aspinall believes Khamzat Chimaev will win against Sean Strickland, citing Chimaev's grappling as a key advantage.
The main event of UFC 328 features Khamzat Chimaev defending his middleweight title against former champion Sean Strickland.
Aspinall notes that Chimaev has strong grappling and striking, while Strickland has an edge in striking ability.
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