UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland has openly questioned Khamzat Chimaev's eligibility for a title shot. In an interview with UFC Fight Pass on October 22, Strickland expressed his doubts about Chimaev's credentials.
Strickland's Stance on Chimaev's Eligibility
"Tarzan," as Strickland is known in the ring, acknowledged that Chimaev has a knack for selling fights, but he doesn't believe that this alone qualifies him for a title opportunity. "For some reason, people either like him or don’t like him. To me, he’s just a paycheck. He sells a lot of fights. People pay to watch, but he hasn’t earned it,” Strickland stated.
Chimaev recently secured a majority decision victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in the co-main event of UFC 294 last Saturday in Abu Dhabi. Despite UFC CEO Dana White promoting this matchup as a title eliminator, Strickland remains unconvinced. He argued, “He hasn’t deserved it, but here we are. Give it to him. He sells a lot of fights. I’ll go fight the man for five rounds. But no, he’s not earned it. He doesn’t deserve it. Getting a decision with a welterweight off the couch is not earning it.”
Strickland's Victory and Winning Streak
Strickland clinched the middleweight belt with a surprising unanimous decision victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 last September, marking one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. Currently, the champion boasts a three-fight winning streak.
Chimaev's Return to Middleweight
Chimaev made his return to the middleweight division at UFC 294, having previously competed at welterweight. On short notice, Usman ventured into middleweight to replace Paulo Costa, who had to withdraw from the event due to an elbow injury and subsequent surgery.
Before the bout with Usman, “Borz” had not fought in over a year. His last victory was via submission against Kevin Holland in a 180-pound catchweight fight at UFC 279 in September 2022.
A Past Training Incident
Strickland also referenced a past training incident involving Chimaev, where he claims Chimaev misunderstood something he said. Strickland recalls, “He sent me a message talking sh*t. And I said, ‘Chimaev, you misunderstood. But, I will see you tomorrow at 3 o’clock, gloves or no gloves, come turn up. And then guess what? No show. No answer."
In response to Strickland’s remarks, Chimaev retorted on social media, saying, “You’re next, don’t worry. You know how quickly I can finish you.” The tension between the two fighters is palpable, setting the stage for a potentially explosive encounter should they meet in the Octagon.
Khamzat Khizarovich Chimaev is a Swedish professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler who competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Sean Strickland is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he holds the title of UFC Middleweight Champion.