Khamzat Chimaev Drops Khalil Rountree Jr. in UFC 328 Training
Newark, NJ – Khamzat Chimaev is sharpening his striking ahead of his highly anticipated middleweight title defense against former champion Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on . A recently released video shows the undefeated Chimaev engaging in intense sparring sessions, including a striking exchange with light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree Jr.
Chimaev (15-0) claimed the middleweight title with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 last August. His first defense presents a compelling matchup against Strickland (30-7), who previously held the title after a stunning upset over Israel Adesanya in 2023.
The sparring footage, shared by UFC Eurasia, reveals Chimaev landing a clean overhand right that dropped Rountree Jr. To one knee. Rountree Jr. Had recently challenged Alex Pereira in a competitive four-round bout at UFC 307, demonstrating his own striking prowess. The clip underscores Chimaev’s power and precision as he prepares for Strickland’s calculated approach.
The rivalry between Chimaev and Strickland extends beyond the Octagon. According to coach Eric Nicksick of Xtreme Couture, the two fighters have a history of intense sparring sessions dating back to 2022, when Chimaev visited the gym alongside Darren Till. Nicksick described the sparring as “back and forth,” suggesting a competitive dynamic even then. He noted that training with Chimaev ultimately improved their own training methods, leading to the implementation of codewords to address specific techniques.
“There’s a backstory,” Nicksick said in a recent interview. “Sean and Khamzat being training partners while Khamzat was in the gym, the back and forth and all that stuff. But stylistically, Sean can give Khamzat a tough fight.”
The upcoming bout at the Prudential Center in Newark, Novel Jersey, is shaping up to be a significant test for both fighters. Strickland, currently ranked No. 3 in the middleweight division, earned his title shot with an impressive win over Anthony Hernandez. Chimaev, ranked No. 4 on ESPN’s pound-for-pound list, will be looking to continue his undefeated streak and solidify his position as one of the sport’s top contenders.
UFC CEO Dana White recently confirmed the full fight card for UFC 328, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event. The main card will also feature a heavyweight clash between Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta, a welterweight bout between Sean Brady and Joaquin Buckley, a light heavyweight contest between Jan Błachowicz and Bogdan Guskov, and a middleweight fight between Ateba Gautier and Ozzy Diaz.
The undercard is equally stacked, with several intriguing matchups scheduled to take place before the main event. Fans can expect a night of high-octane action as the UFC returns to Newark.
The question remains: can Strickland, a former champion known for his durability and striking defense, withstand Chimaev’s relentless pressure and grappling prowess? Or will Chimaev’s dominance continue, further establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division? The May 9th showdown promises to deliver answers and potentially reshape the landscape of the UFC’s 185-pound weight class.
The event will be available on Paramount+, offering fans multiple ways to watch the action unfold. UFC Fight Pass will also provide coverage, and the UFC Mobile App will offer past and live fights for on-the-go viewing.