Sean Strickland believes he’s got the best shot to take the UFC Middleweight Championship from Khamzat Chimaev.
Strickland may have dropped two bouts against Dricus du Plessis, but he feels he could give Chimaev some problems with his fighting style. Talking to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Strickland said that he’d have a better chance of dethroning “Borz” than his UFC Houston opponent Anthony Hernandez (h/t MMAFighting).
“That would be a big fight,” Strickland said. “I think I’m probably the only one that could beat Chimaev. I honestly think ‘Fluffy’s’ a better wrestler than Chimaev. I think pace-wise, style-wise, I think over five rounds, ‘Fluffy’s’ probably a better [wrestler]. But then stand-up, I think Chimaev might take him to a stand-up decision.”
Strickland didn’t hold back when discussing Chimaev’s lack of activity. Chimaev hasn’t fought since he captured the UFC Middleweight Championship back in Aug. 2025, and Strickland doesn’t believe that bodes well for the 185-pound division.
“It’s not how this [f*cking] sport works, dude,” Strickland said. “Don’t be a [b*tch], go fight that guy. Now the middleweight division man, from a pure money perspective, you would make more money not fighting for the belt than you would fighting for the belt. Say Chimaev goes and fights Nassourdine in six months. Well, let’s say Chimaev sprains his [f*cking] pinkie like he normally does, now he takes another year off. So it’s like, you’re off for two years where the belt isn’t even in my brain anymore.”
Strickland’s aforementioned clash with Hernandez is scheduled to take place on Feb. 21. The bout could have significant implications in the UFC middleweight title picture. Chimaev’s first title defense has yet to be determined.
Do you think we’ll ever get to see Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev share the Octagon? Give us your thoughts in the comment section below.