UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland recently questioned Khamzat Chimaev's eligibility for a title shot. In an interview with UFC Fight Pass, Strickland shared his controversial views on the rising star.
Strickland's Views on Chimaev
Known as "Tarzan," Strickland didn't mince words when discussing Chimaev's popularity and his potential title shot. "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.
This comment comes in response to Chimaev's recent victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. UFC CEO Dana White had promoted this matchup as a title eliminator, a perspective that Strickland disputes.
"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 said.
Strickland's Reign as Champion
Strickland clinched the middleweight belt with a surprising unanimous decision victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 last September, one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. As of now, the champion boasts a three-fight winning streak.
Chimaev’s Return to Middleweight
Chimaev made his return to middleweight 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.
Prior to the bout with Usman, “Borz” had not fought in over a year. He claimed his last victory via submission against Kevin Holland in a 180-pound catchweight fight at UFC 279 in September 2022.
Strickland's Disappointment
Strickland also expressed his disappointment with the UFC’s choice to grant his first title defense to fighters transitioning from welterweight. He previously disapproved of the Chimaev-Usman bout when the Abu Dhabi schedules were announced, saying it was just a fight “to fill a seat.”
A Past Training Incident
Strickland said he had no fear of facing Chimaev. He referenced a past training incident where Khamzat misinterpreted something he said. "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. We talked it out, he said, ‘No, no, it’s okay, we talk about it,’" Strickland said.
In response to Strickland’s remarks, Chimaev took to social media to respond, saying, “You’re next, don’t worry. You know how quickly I can finish you.”
As the tension between these two fighters continues to build, fans eagerly anticipate a potential showdown. Only time will tell if Chimaev will get his shot at the title and prove whether he has truly earned it.