Joe Pyfer Thinks Sean Strickland Can Survive the Storm Against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

#6 ranked middleweight contender Joe Pyfer talks about how Sean Strickland may be underestimated against Khamzat Chimaev.

Joe Pyfer Thinks Sean Strickland Can Survive the Storm Against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

Joe Pyfer believes Sean Strickland can beat Khamzat Chimaev (via MMA Fighting, ESPN)

In Short
  • Joe Pyfer believes Sean Strickland has a chance to defeat Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 if he survives the early rounds.
  • UFC 328 is set for May 9, 2026, featuring Chimaev's first title defense against Strickland.
  • Strickland and Chimaev have a contentious history, stemming from their past as training partners.

Joe Pyfer has become a key voice in UFC discussions after defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC Houston. The win secured his place in the middleweight top 10 rankings and highlighted his rise in the division. The Pennsylvania native is keeping a close eye on the upcoming title fight at UFC 328. Pyfer recently weighed in, noting that Sean Strickland’s chances against Khamzat Chimaev may be higher than expected.

UFC 328 is scheduled for May 9, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event will be headlined by the middleweight title fight between Chimaev and Strickland and streamed on Paramount+. This matchup represents the Chechen champion’s first title defense since he won the belt at UFC 319 by defeating Dricus Du Plessis via one of the most dominant unanimous decisions in UFC history.

Chimaev’s performance at UFC 319 against DDP showcased his dominance, with repeated takedowns and control. His commanding victory over an established champion raised questions about who could challenge him. When the UFC 328 main event was announced, many counted out Strickland as a serious threat. Pyfer, however, suggested that ‘Tarzan’ could still emerge victorious if he could survive the early rounds.

These guys got true beef. I think Sean Strickland is a good fighter. I think Khamzat is an excellent wrestler and he’s got aura about him and he’s fun to watch. I do have Sean Strickland. I think Sean can survive the storm and if he doesn’t get submitted in the first round he can win that fight.

Joe Pyfer via Full Mount MMA

Pyfer also mentioned the ongoing beef between Chimaev and Strickland, referencing the bad blood between the two fighters. The pair were once training partners at the Xtreme Couture gym in Las Vegas. However, their friendship soured after Strickland called out Chimaev for his ties to Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov and accused ‘Borz’ of involvement in cryptocurrency scams back in 2024.

Surprisingly, Pyfer is not the only UFC fighter to pick Strickland to defy the odds at UFC 328. Former UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal believes Strickland could control Chimaev with his takedown defense. Dricus Du Plessis also said Strickland’s unorthodox style could challenge the middleweight champion. These views highlight that several fighters see a path for Strickland despite the Chechen star’s dominance.

However, Khamzat Chimaev has been training under popular conditioning coach Sam Calavitta and is already improving his dominant prowess. This was highlighted by his recent training videos with light heavyweight title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. It remains to be seen whether Joe Pyfer’s recent analysis for the UFC 328 grudge match comes true on May 9th, 2026, at the Prudential Arena.

Joe Pyfer talks about why victory over Israel Adesanya feels bittersweet

Israel Adesanya was one of the most dominant middleweight champions in UFC history during his prime, known for his precision striking and aura. However, in recent times, he no longer carries the same invincible presence inside the octagon. The ‘Last Stylebender’ is currently on a four-fight losing streak. Notably, he was finished in three of his last four bouts, raising questions about his current form.

Israel Adesanya and Joe Pyfer
Israel Adesanya and Joe Pyfer (via BJ Penn)

Adesanya’s most recent loss came against Joe Pyfer, who was expected to be an easy matchup as the former champion looked to get back in the win column. However, Pyfer made a statement by earning a knockout win at UFC Seattle.

After the bout, many called on the former middleweight champion to consider retirement and focus on his health. These events led to Joe Pyfer’s comments about the negative media narratives surrounding Adesanya.

While the American star’s comment come from a place of concern, Israel Adesanya has revealed that he has no plans to retire from the sport anytime soon. The former middleweight champion believes his focus must be on winning a mental battle in his mind rather than the battle in the cage. Adesanya emphasized that overcoming doubt and maintaining confidence are critical to regaining his top form.

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