MMA news: Sean Strickland scolds Khamzat Chimaev and targets him for first title defence

Sean Strickland has never been one to hold back his thoughts, and his latest comments on Khamzat Chimaev are no exception.

In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher explores Strickland’s remarks and his desire to face Chimaev should he reclaim the UFC middleweight title.

Strickland eyes Chimaev as first title defence

Ahead of Strickland’s rematch with Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title at UFC 312, the former champion was clear that he would welcome a fight with Chimaev as the first title defence of his second reign if he wins at UFC 312.

Speaking in a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Strickland said how he believes a fight with Chimaev would currently be the biggest payday in the division.

“Anyone who fights that guy is going to get a f***ing paycheck,” Strickland said.

Strickland was also quick to discredit Chimaev’s most recent win against former champion Robert Whittaker which sent shockwaves throughout the MMA world.

“You [Chimaev] went hard and fought a guy [Whittaker] that came out really f*cking flat, who doesn’t give a f**k.

“Rob is known to either be a f***ing superstar or a f***ing can and he was a f*cking can.

“He was just met with too much pressure; it’s like dude after I’m done with Chimaev he’s going to go back to peddling crypto scams,” Strickland said.

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A heated rivalry brewing

When asked who he would prefer to defend the belt against out of Du Plessis, Chimaev and Israel Adesanya if he reclaimed it at UFC 312, Strickland said:

“Chimaev would just be fun just to f***ing roast him, like who is f***ing Chimaev?

“You fled your sh*tty f***ing country to go have a better life in Sweden, you go back because your family is persecuted, you go back to suck up to the same dictator who probably made your life a living hell, you become a Chechnyan wh*re and he starts pulling the leash on you, he f***ing owns you …

“Can Chimaev fight? Yeah. He can fight. But you’re not a f***ing man. I know you’re not a man; you know you’re not a man. The whole world knows you’re not a f***ing man.”

The pair have previously trained together but it looks as though those days are long behind them.

Dana White also recently confirmed at a press conference that Chimaev is next in line for the winner of the UFC 312 main event, making a grudge match between Chimaev and Strickland a likely scenario in 2025.

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