The two Middleweights will collide in a championship match this weekend (Sat., May 9, 2026) at UFC 328 in a grudge match fueled by bad blood and prior training experiences. According to retired UFC fighter and current analyst, Chael Sonnen, there’s more on the line than just titles and hurt feelings. Per Sonnen, Strickland is the UFC and America’s last hope against the Chimaev era and overall Russian invasion.
“Strickland is the last hope,” Sonnen told Ariel Helwani. “He is the last line of defense between the martial arts community and having to watch Chimaev for the next period of time. I remember warning the UFC … warning them of the Russian invasions. It’s coming the Russians are coming … Unless you want a whole bunch of guys coming in with beards and no mustaches, taking all your belts away, the only way to stop them is to not give them the opportunity.
“As a wrestler, I can tell you, this culture is a different level of toughness, and Strickland really is our last line of defense. If Chimaev penetrates Sean Strickland, you better get used to the Chimaev era, because it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.”
Indeed, there has been a recent shift away from signing Russian talent, as many of the top prospects from that part of the world are now joining the PFL roster. Unless an up-and-coming Russian fighter is a team mate of Chimaev or Islam Makhachev, they often face an uphill road to the UFC roster compared to the random 6-0 American fighter getting their shot on Contender Series.
As for the Chimaev era? It may be over sooner than later regardless of the UFC 328 outcome. “Borz” has made it clear that he doesn’t intend to stick around at Middleweight even to face a worthy contender in Nassourdine Imavov. He’d rather jump to 205 pounds in pursuit of a second title and second Chimaev era … although his ambitions could end in tragedy.
