UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland has recently raised questions about Khamzat Chimaev's eligibility for a title shot. In an interview with UFC Fight Pass on October 22, Strickland was candid about his views on Chimaev, acknowledging that while the fighter has a knack for selling fights, he hasn't earned his stripes in the ring just yet.
Strickland's Take on Chimaev
"For some reason, people either like him or they don’t," said Strickland. "To me, he’s simply a paycheck. He sells a lot of fights. People pay to watch, but he hasn’t truly earned it.”
These comments come on the heels of Chimaev's majority decision victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 last Saturday in Abu Dhabi. UFC CEO Dana White had previously touted this matchup as a title eliminator, a claim 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 added.
Strickland's Reign as Champion
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. As of now, 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 his bout with Usman, Chimaev 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 with UFC’s Choices
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 referenced a past training incident where Chimaev misinterpreted something he said. According to Strickland, Chimaev didn't show up when challenged. However, Chimaev responded to Strickland's remarks on social media, stating, “You’re next, don’t worry. You know how quickly I can finish you.”
The current UFC Middleweight Champion, Sean Strickland, is an American mixed martial artist. Khamzat Khizarovich Chimaev, on the other hand, is a Swedish professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler who competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.