Khamzat Chimaev sends Khalil Rountree Jr crashing down in fresh clip before UFC 328

15 Mar 2026 • 8:53 PM MYT
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Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images

Khamzat Chimaev has been sharpening up his striking game in new training footage ahead of UFC 328.

The middleweight champion has not been seen in the Octagon since he claimed the belt by out-grappling Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 last August.

Chimaev is now set to put his title on the line for the first time against Sean Strickland, with their fight scheduled for UFC 328 on May 9.

Khamzat Chimaev drops Khalil Rountree Jr in training footage

image is not available
Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images

A short clip, featuring Chimaev sparring with a group of partners as part of his UFC 328 camp, was uploaded to UFC Eurasia’s YouTube channel on Saturday.

The video highlighted ‘Borz’ going toe-to-toe with Khalil Rountree Jr, who had given Alex Pereira a tough challenge during their four-round bout at UFC 307 in October 2024.

Despite being a respected light heavyweight contender, Rountree Jr was dropped by an overhand right from Chimaev during the session.

He seemed unhurt, but had to take a knee after absorbing the shot from the reigning middleweight champion.

UFC 328: full main card revealed

Earlier this week, Dana White made several announcements with Michael Bisping that included the full UFC 328 main card.

Here is a look at the fights confirmed for UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland
  • Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta
  • Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley
  • Jan Błachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov
  • King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens
  • Marco Tulio vs. Roman Kopylov
  • Ateba Gautier vs. Ozzy Diaz

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