Strickland rates Amosov's grappling above Chimaev's after American Top Team session

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has ranked Yaroslav Amosov above Khamzat Chimaev as a grappler, after getting rounds in with the Ukrainian welterweight during a training camp visit to American Top Team in Florida.

“He has better grappling than Chimaev,” Strickland said following the session. Amosov, who holds a 30-1 record, offered his own take on the experience via his YouTube channel: “Hard partner, hard champion, but crazy, funny crazy.”

Strickland is currently at American Top Team helping Johnny Eblen prepare for his next fight. Amosov also trains out of the facility, giving the champion the opportunity to test himself against the submission specialist on the mat.

The comparison carries weight given what Strickland experienced against Chimaev at UFC 328 this past May. Entering as a heavy underdog, Strickland weathered Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy approach before “Borz” visibly faded in the second round and was forced to abandon his takedown game. Strickland outworked him on the feet from that point and claimed the title by decision.

Amosov’s own trajectory has gathered momentum since leaving Bellator MMA following his lone career defeat — a loss to Jason Jackson in 2023. He signed with the UFC after a win on the regional circuit and has finished both of his UFC opponents by submission. His most recent outing, a submission victory over Joel Alvarez, came on the Chimaev vs. Strickland undercard, putting him on the same card where his training partner made history.