Sean Strickland is getting another opportunity to win UFC middleweight gold on May 9th. The former divisional kingpin will face current titleholder Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 328.
Eblen’s Analysis of Strickland vs. Chimaev
Former Bellator MMA/ PFL champ Johnny Eblen has shared his thoughts on the upcoming fight. Eblen believes Strickland has a good chance of defeating Khamzat Chimaev due to his fighting style. Eblen said, “Yeah, I think, Strickland has a good chance at beating Chimaev with his style. You can’t just manhandle Strickland like that. You can’t just hold him down. Can’t just wrestle him like he fought DDP.”
Eblen believes that Strickland’s chances improve if he can make it a dog fight. He added, “I think if he makes it a fight like when he had a fight with Gilbert [Burns], where there was moments that; I mean, honestly, I think Chimaev kind of let Gilbert up a couple times because he didn’t want to deal with the grappling, deal with the BJJ on the ground.”
Eblen to Train with Strickland
Eblen plans to assist Strickland in his preparation for the fight against Chimaev. Further expounding upon his assessment of Sean Strickland’s chances against Khamzat Chimaev in their early-May contest, Eblen continued, “But the more of a dog fight it is, I think it’s better for Strickland and I think he can make it a dog fight. Especially if he keeps the fight on the feet, I think he has better odds at winning. I’m gonna try to go out. I’m actually going to go out and help him after my fight and get him prepared for Chimaev.”
Eblen believes he will be a good training partner for Strickland. “I think I’m a good look for him. I think we push each other and it’s always great training. So, as long as Sean’s healthy and focused, I think he has a really good shot at winning the title again, man.”
A recent online beef with the UFC middleweight champion also emerged when Eblen was touting Strickland as someone who could beat Khamzat Chimaev and regain the middleweight title.