Sean Strickland Slams Khamzat Chimaev — Credit: MMA Fighting

Masvidal Bets Big On Chimaev vs. Strickland

By FIGHTSPORTS Apr 29, 2026 Last updated Apr 29, 2026

Former BMF champion Jorge Masvidal says he will bet $100,000 on Sean Strickland (30-7) to hand UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev (15-0) his first professional defeat in the main event of UFC 328 on May 9.

Currently, Strickland is about a +300 underdog. If Masvidal wins his $100,000 bet, he would earn $300,000 in profit. Jorge sees weaknesses in Chimaev’s gas tank and grappling. “Gamebred” referenced Chimaev’s 2023 bout against Kamaru Usman, noting that “Borz” struggled to maintain his pace despite the win, feeling Usman won the fight even after taking it on 11 days notice.

Masvidal believes Strickland’s relentless cardio and “jab-heavy” style will eventually drown the Chimaev in the later rounds and will lead to Sean regaining the 185-pound belt. Masvidal also pointed to Strickland’s awkward but highly effective defensive wrestling as the key to the fight.

“Look at the [Kamaru] Usman fight. Usman was a 170-pounder. Took the fight on 11-days notice. I thought Chimaev lost that fight. I’m dumping the house on Strickland on that one. I’m going to put up 100 bands… That’s how confident I am Strickland beats him,” Masvidal said