Strickland and Chimaev Set for Middleweight Title Clash at UFC 328

Xtreme Couture coach Erick Nicksick expects a 5-round war between the former training partners

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:25pm

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Sean Strickland will challenge Khamzat Chimaev for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey on May 9. The two fighters previously trained together at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, but their relationship has soured, leading to a highly anticipated title fight. Xtreme Couture head coach Erick Nicksick revealed that Strickland and Chimaev sparred for about a month in 2021, but he never expected their rivalry to escalate to a title fight. Nicksick expects an emotional and tactical battle between the two middleweights.

Why it matters

The middleweight title fight between Strickland and Chimaev has built up significant heat and anticipation, as the two former training partners have engaged in a war of words leading up to the bout. The fight also comes at an interesting time in the division, with surging contender Nassourdine Imavov waiting in the wings as the expected first challenger to Chimaev's title.

The details

Strickland, a former middleweight champion, will be looking to reclaim the title from Chimaev, who dethroned Dricus du Plessis last August. Strickland has been critical of Chimaev's wrestling-heavy style, while Chimaev has done his talking in the Octagon. Nicksick, who has been in Strickland's corner for his past three title fights, admits there's a unique vibe to this matchup compared to Strickland's previous title bouts.

  • Strickland and Chimaev sparred for about a month in 2021 at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas.
  • Strickland defeated Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston last month to secure the title shot.
  • UFC 328 will take place on May 9, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey.

The players

Sean Strickland

A 35-year-old middleweight fighter who previously held the UFC middleweight title in 2023. He has a history of engaging in verbal warfare with his opponents.

Khamzat Chimaev

The current UFC middleweight champion, who dethroned Dricus du Plessis last August. Chimaev is known for his dominant wrestling-heavy style.

Erick Nicksick

The head coach at Xtreme Couture, where Strickland and Chimaev previously trained together.

Nassourdine Imavov

A surging middleweight contender who has won five straight fights and was expected to be the first challenger to Chimaev's title.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, I thought they got along really well. I thought they pushed each other really well. I felt like it was more of a competitive environment than anything, so where it kind of took a turn, I honestly couldn't tell you.”

— Erick Nicksick, Head Coach, Xtreme Couture

“This has a different vibe, different feel to it. It really does. I think there's just this competitive nature between the two of these guys that they — I hope they don't make it more of an emotional fight than a tactical fight. But I feel like there's more emotions that are riding on this than the title is important to them. I think it's more about bragging rights.”

— Erick Nicksick, Head Coach, Xtreme Couture

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This fight highlights the personal rivalry that has developed between Strickland and Chimaev, who were once training partners. The bout has the potential to be an emotional and tactical war, with the middleweight title on the line. It also raises questions about the UFC's decision-making process in selecting title challengers, as surging contender Nassourdine Imavov was passed over for this opportunity.