Here’s a bold statement: Sean Strickland believes he’s the only fighter capable of dethroning the undefeated UFC middleweight champion, Khamzat Chimaev. But here’s where it gets controversial—Strickland isn’t just making a claim; he’s backing it up with a mix of confidence, critique, and a dash of provocation. And this is the part most people miss: Strickland’s path to a title shot hinges not just on his upcoming fight but also on Chimaev’s surprising reluctance to face certain contenders.
Strickland, boasting a record of 29-7 in MMA (16-7 in the UFC), is set to face the red-hot Anthony Hernandez (15-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 267 on February 21 at the Toyota Center in Houston. A win here could propel him closer to another title opportunity, especially given the current landscape of the middleweight division. Nassourdine Imavov, with five consecutive wins, seems like the obvious next challenger. However, Chimaev’s recent statement that he’d rather not fight Imavov has opened the door for Strickland to step into the spotlight.
In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Strickland didn’t hold back. “That would be a big fight,” he said of a potential matchup with Chimaev. “I honestly think I’m probably the only one who could beat him. I believe ‘Fluffy’ [a nickname for a fellow fighter] is a better wrestler than Chimaev. Over five rounds, pace-wise and style-wise, ‘Fluffy’ might edge him out—but in standup, Chimaev could take the decision.” This nuanced analysis showcases Strickland’s strategic thinking, though it’s his next comments that truly spark debate.
Strickland took aim at Chimaev’s fight frequency—or lack thereof. After dominating Dricus Du Plessis to claim the 185-pound title at UFC 319 in August, Chimaev has fought only once in 2025, following a similar pattern in 2024 and 2023. “It’s kind of weird what the UFC did with Chimaev,” Strickland remarked. “They brought in a guy who fights once a year, like some sort of MMA Madonna. How much is he getting paid under the table? The guy doesn’t need to fight. He’s best friends with a warlord, gets gifted luxury cars—it’s almost like he’s untouchable.”
Strickland’s criticism didn’t stop there. He called out Chimaev’s recent reluctance to face Imavov, labeling it unprofessional. “He says, ‘I don’t want to fight you, my brother,’” Strickland scoffed. “That’s not how this sport works. Don’t be a coward. Step up and fight the guy.”
Here’s the controversial question: Is Strickland’s critique of Chimaev’s fight schedule and demeanor justified, or is he simply stirring the pot to secure his own title shot? And more importantly, does Strickland truly have what it takes to dethrone the undefeated champion? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Strickland’s bold claims, or do you think he’s biting off more than he can chew?
