Sean Strickland Calls Out Khamzat Chimaev Over Avoiding Toughest Competition

Sean Strickland is prepared to face Khamzat Chimaev, responding sharply to the middleweight champion’s recent comments. Chimaev suggested that Strickland dislikes him because he once made Strickland tap out during a training session. However, Strickland offered a different perspective following his main event victory over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston, saying he was the one who forced Chimaev to quit that session.

Strickland explained that during positional grappling, he allowed Chimaev to attempt a choke in the first round, but it was clear that Chimaev was not interested in testing himself against top-level competition. According to Strickland, Chimaev often targeted smaller, less experienced fighters in the gym instead of challenging more skilled opponents. “Every time Chimaev would walk in the gym, he would pick the smallest, lowest-level pro and say, ‘But oh, he looks like my opponent.’ He’s a f*cking bully,” Strickland said. He accused Chimaev of using intimidation rather than seeking meaningful challenges.

Strickland also criticized Chimaev for rumored plans to move up to 205 pounds to fight Jiri Prochazka for an interim light heavyweight title. Strickland interpreted this as a pattern of avoiding the toughest challenges in his current division, suggesting that the undefeated champion prefers easier matchups rather than defending his middleweight title against strong contenders. He referenced Chimaev’s history at 185 pounds and his bouts with top fighters such as Gilbert Burns, describing the champion’s approach as evasive and opportunistic.

Strickland Criticizes Chimaev’s Tactics, Questions Champion’s Confidence And Strategy

Chimaev, who won the UFC middleweight championship with a dominant decision over Dricus du Plessis in August, has yet to defend his title. Strickland sees Chimaev’s potential move to light heavyweight as a way to sidestep formidable competition in the middleweight division, implying a lack of confidence in facing elite fighters directly. He praised fighters like Burns for their toughness, contrasting them with Chimaev’s approach to both training and competition.

Chimaev has responded by highlighting his victory over du Plessis, who holds two wins over Strickland, signaling that he sees his record as evidence of skill and legitimacy. The tension between the two fighters has grown from gym experiences to public commentary, with Strickland asserting that Chimaev relies on intimidation rather than confronting the most challenging opponents.

With this exchange, Strickland positions himself as a contender willing to confront Chimaev’s claims and test his abilities, while also questioning the champion’s strategy and motives. As rumors of division changes and potential matchups continue to swirl, fans may see a high-stakes confrontation that combines personal rivalry with competitive ambition.