Sean Strickland believes he has the most effective likelihood to take the UFC middleweight title from Khamzat Chimaev.
Strickland could have misplaced his two fights to Drix du Plessis, however he feels he may give Chimaev issues with the way in which he fights. Chatting with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Strickland stated he has a greater likelihood of dethroning “The Bolts” than his UFC Houston opponent Anthony Hernandez (h/t MMAFighting).
“It is going to be an enormous battle,” Strickland stated. “I feel I am in all probability the one one who can beat Chimaev. To be sincere, I feel ‘Fluffy’s’ is a greater wrestler than Chimaev. Tempo-wise, style-wise, after 5 rounds I feel ‘Fluffy’s’ might be () the higher wrestler. However then when he stands up, I feel Chimaev may take him to a stand-up determination.”
Strickland did not maintain again about Chimaev’s lack of exercise. Chimaev hasn’t fought since profitable the UFC middleweight title in August 2025, and Strickland does not assume that bodes effectively for the 185-pound division.
“That is not what this (fucking) sport is about, dude,” Strickland stated. “Do not be an asshole, struggle that man. Now, middleweight man, purely from a cash standpoint, not preventing for the belt goes to make more cash than preventing for the belt. For example Chimaev goes to struggle Nasoddin in six months. Effectively, as an example Chimaev sprains his pinky like he at all times does and takes one other 12 months off. So the place the belt is on, he is off for 2 years, one thing like that.” It is not even in my mind anymore. ”
The aforementioned struggle between Strickland and Hernandez is scheduled to happen on February twenty first. This struggle may have a big impression on the UFC middleweight title struggle. Chimaev’s first title protection has not but been determined.
Do you assume we’ll ever see Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev share the Octagon? Tell us what you assume within the feedback part beneath.
