Luke Rockhold is firmly backing Khamzat Chimaev to beat Sean Strickland when they clash for a title at UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark, N.J.
Rockhold, who has recently trained with Chimaev, believes the undefeated contender will hold a clear advantage over the former middleweight champion. “Sean is effective and he’s scrappy and he hangs in there,” Rockhold said, before drawing a sharp contrast between the two.
“Khamzat is so much more talented, it’s about who can relax and implement their game plan the best and Khamzat’s doing everything he needs to and I think he can really have a masterclass. I think last time out there was a little bit of tension, he wanted to win the world title. Now he can go out there and be his best and I expect the best from Khamzat and I would love to see him put this f*cking American away.”
Rockhold also praised Chimaev personally while slamming Strickland. “I’m American, but I like good people. Khamzat is a great person, through and through. Sean Strickland, he’s a piece of shit.”
The build to UFC 328 has also included tension outside the cage. Chimaev has publicly suggested that a confrontation with Strickland away from the octagon could be dangerous for Strickland, prompting the former champion to respond, “I’m the last dude in America you should threaten.”
