Former two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo has made a bold prediction for the upcoming UFC 328 main event. The retired fighter is backing Sean Strickland to dethrone the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev and capture the middleweight championship.
Cejudo, who held titles in both the flyweight and bantamweight divisions, believes Strickland's technical approach presents a unique puzzle for the dominant Chimaev. He specifically highlighted Strickland's effective jab and unorthodox style as key factors that could disrupt Chimaev's usual game plan.
The former champion acknowledged Strickland's recent loss to Dricus du Plessi but framed it as a different kind of challenge. Cejudo expressed confidence that Strickland has the resilience and skill set to handle Chimaev's powerful wrestling and striking, noting that even if taken down, Strickland has shown the ability to get back to his feet.
In a clear show of confidence, Cejudo revealed he has placed a $1,000 bet on Strickland to win. "I'm betting big, dude," Cejudo stated, using the retired fighter's newfound freedom to wager on fights. He even predicted the iconic post-fight announcement, saying, "I think we'll hear: 'And new!'"
The high-stakes bout is scheduled for UFC 328, with the UFC middleweight title (up to 84 kg) on the line. Chimaev enters the fight with a perfect professional record, while Strickland is looking to reclaim the championship he previously held.
Cejudo's analysis suggests the fight will be a clash of styles, with Strickland's technical boxing and movement potentially neutralizing Chimaev's explosive power and grappling pressure. The prediction adds another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated title fight.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.