UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev defends his belt against top contender Sean Strickland tonight at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey for UFC 238. Chimaev captured the title last summer with a dominant performance against Dricus du Plessis. The bout was years in the making.
Strickland, a former champion himself, brings a relentless pressure style and elite defensive boxing. He has won three of his last four fights, with his only loss during that stretch coming to du Plessis. The matchup pits Chimaev's suffocating wrestling against Strickland's sharp striking.
Chimaev has finished all but one of his UFC opponents, with eight of his 14 professional wins coming by submission or knockout. Strickland has never been submitted in 33 professional fights. The champion enters as a betting favorite according to early odds.
A victory for Chimaev could set up a potential super fight with welterweight champion Belal Muhammad or a rematch with du Plessis. For Strickland, reclaiming the belt would mark one of the more unlikely title runs in recent division history. The winner will likely face the surging Nassourdine Imavov next.
Critics argue Chimaev's activity has been inconsistent, with only three fights since 2022, raising questions about his durability in a five-round championship bout. Strickland's legendary cardio could expose those concerns late.