“Quite a lot of issues going to occur”- Khamzat Chimaev particulars Sean Strickland’s potential path to a title shot and a struggle in opposition to him 

Khamzat Chimaev just lately addressed talks of a possible struggle in opposition to Sean Strickland. He made it clear that rivalry alone doesn’t earn title alternatives.

Chimaev acknowledged the strain between them and admitted the matchup would carry consideration and create memorable moments. From Chimaev’s standpoint, Strickland has work to do earlier than a possible title shot.

Talking in an interview with Brett Okamoto for ESPN MMA, he stated:

“That might be humorous [a fight against Strickland]. Humorous interviews, like quite a lot of issues going to occur about that as properly. However he misplaced quite a lot of fights, he has to win one struggle…He misplaced in opposition to the man [Dricus du Plessis], who I beat, like I destroyed 5 rounds. That’s why he has to win one struggle. But when they offer him [the title shot], who cares?”

Take a look at Khamzat Chimaev‘s feedback beneath (13:45):

The historical past between them makes the matchup fascinating. Their temporary time coaching collectively at Xtreme Couture sparked conflicting accounts of sparring which have led to on-line exchanges.

Strickland insists he outworked Chimaev and has constructed his narrative round that declare. He has additionally claimed that he’s the one middleweight who can stylistically bother Chimaev.

Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold added some weight to Strickland’s feedback by claiming that ‘Tarzan’ is “annoyingly exhausting to carry down.”

Sean Strickland blames Khamzat Chimaev for holding up the division

Sean Strickland is able to return however sees no purpose to hurry again right into a stalled division. The previous UFC middleweight champion confirmed he declined a UFC 325 slot, saying an abroad comeback made little sense whereas the title image stays caught.

Strickland believes the logjam begins on the high with Khamzat Chimaev, whose gradual turnaround has left contenders ready. With the belt successfully inactive, Strickland has shifted focus towards a stateside struggle in opposition to Anthony Fluffy Hernandez in 2026.

Talking in a current video posted on Instagram, he stated:

“Somewhat perception on the middleweight division. The middleweight division’s on f*cking ice. You’ve obtained [Khamzat] Chimaev, the little who*e, he has Ramadan, after which he has a surgical procedure, after which he’s going to struggle Nassourdine [Imavov] in a 12 months and simply dry hu*p Nassourdine… So the middleweight division doesn’t exist.”

He added:

“I’d be higher off attempting to struggle for a 205 [pound] belt than I might the middleweight belt. It don’t exist anymore… The middleweight division’s on ice.”