UFC's Sean Strickland Questions Khamzat Chimaev's Title Shot Eligibility
UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland has publicly questioned Khamzat Chimaev's eligibility for a title shot. In a recent interview, "Tarzan" as Strickland is known in the fighting world, shared his thoughts on Chimaev’s rapid rise to fame and potential title contention.
Strickland Questions Chimaev's Credentials
In an interview with UFC Fight Pass on October 22, Strickland expressed his doubts about Chimaev's credentials. He acknowledged that Chimaev had a knack for selling fights but questioned whether he had truly earned his shot at the title. “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 statement comes after Chimaev's majority decision victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. UFC CEO Dana White had promoted this matchup as a title eliminator, a stance 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 Middleweight Champion
Strickland clinched the middleweight belt with a surprising unanimous decision victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 last September. This victory is considered one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. Currently, the champion boasts a three-fight winning streak.
Chimaev’s Middleweight Return
Chimaev made his middleweight return 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 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.”
Past Training Incident
Strickland referenced a past training incident where he and Chimaev had a misunderstanding. He stated that Chimaev didn't show up to resolve it but later talked it out. Despite their differences, Strickland acknowledged Chimaev's fighting ability and expressed no fear of facing him.
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.” The stage is set for a potential explosive encounter between these two fighters, adding another thrilling chapter to the UFC saga.