Sean Strickland rates Yaroslav Amosov above Khamzat Chimaev

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland says training partner Yaroslav Amosov has superior grappling skills to Khamzat Chimaev.

Strickland made the claim after sharing mat time with the Ukrainian welterweight at American Top Team in Florida, where he is helping Johnny Eblen prepare for an upcoming bout. "He has better grappling than Chimaev," Strickland said following the session, per Sherdog.

Strickland's experience facing Chimaev at UFC 328

The assessment carries weight given Strickland's recent history with Chimaev. The 31-7 middleweight entered his title defense against Chimaev at UFC 328 in May as a heavy underdog but weathered the Chechen's wrestling in the opening round. Chimaev visibly gassed in the second frame and abandoned his takedown attempts, allowing Strickland to outwork him on the feet for a decision win.

Amosov, who holds a 30-1 record, left Bellator following his lone career loss to Jason Jackson in 2023. Since joining the UFC roster, the Ukrainian has submitted both his opponents, including a finish of Joel Alvarez on the Chimaev-Strickland undercard. Amosov posted video of the training session on his YouTube channel, calling Strickland a tough partner and champion.

Strickland defends his title next against a challenger to be determined. Amosov has not announced his next UFC booking.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Sean Strickland considers Yaroslav Amosov a better grappler than Khamzat Chimaev