Sean Strickland: No Submission Attempts? 'I've Only Fought Men!'

The High Stakes of UFC 328

As we gear up for UFC 328 this Saturday at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., the spotlight is firmly on Sean Strickland. He's not just stepping into the octagon against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev; he's challenging the very norms of grappling in mixed martial arts. When Strickland quips, "I've only fought men," it raises eyebrows and questions.

Strickland's Unique Record

With a record of 30-7 in MMA and 17-7 in the UFC, Strickland has an intriguing statistic: he has never been submitted, let alone faced an attempt. It's almost unheard of for a fighter competing at such a high level. So, what's the explanation behind this anomaly? Strickland himself provides a perspective that reflects a mix of bravado and self-awareness:

"Submissions are f*cking gay. I'm sad that I potentially have to deal with a guy who wants to dry hump my leg."

Strickland's candidness might be off-putting to some, but it echoes a sentiment many fighters feel—grappling often comes with a stigma in a striking-centric culture.

A True Test for Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev, on the flip side, arrives with a formidable background, having submitted six of his opponents, including notable names like Kevin Holland and Robert Whittaker. His wrestling has been the foundation for his impressive grappling stats. Strickland's unblemished submission defense will definitely be put to the test in this match-up.

Analyzing Strickland's Defense

Despite being taken down six times during his title loss to Dricus Du Plessis, Strickland ensured that none of those takedowns led to submission attempts. He attributes this to an effective strategy of keeping his opponents guessing and never allowing them to control the pace:

• Experience against strong wrestlers like Kamaru Usman and Brendan Allen has honed his defensive skills.
• Strickland rarely finds himself in vulnerable positions, seemingly always one step ahead.

But can he maintain this while facing a grappler like Chimaev, whose submission attempts are plentiful?

Psychological Warfare

Strickland's brash personality plays a tactical role, too. By downplaying submissions, he creates a narrative that could unsettle opponents. There's an element of psychological warfare in how he engages with these topics, compelling Chimaev and others to reassess their game plans:

"I'm also never really in a position for guys to do submissions. I don't want to go on my back. I'm not into that sh*t."

What Lies Ahead

As a sports journalist, I can't help but think this fight will be pivotal in defining both fighters moving forward. Will Strickland continue his run with this unique record, or will Chimaev be the one to finally put him in a submission hold? A look back at the strategies and tactics leading up to this fight will provide the necessary insights to understand what fans can expect.

Although Strickland's approach to grappling may come off as immature or dismissive, it raises essential questions about how fighters typically prepare for bouts. Understanding the balance between striking and grappling remains vital in today's evolving fight game.

Conclusion: High Energy Awaiting Us

In the world of sports, especially mixed martial arts, narratives like Strickland's are both fascinating and critical. They not only shape the approach to the upcoming fight but also highlight the evolving landscape of fighters and their techniques in a sport trending towards more holistic strategies. Tune in this Saturday; it's bound to be explosive.

For additional insights and updates on UFC 328, stay tuned!

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Sean Strickland reacts to no one ever attempting a submission on him.