UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland has expressed doubts over Khamzat Chimaev's eligibility for a title shot. In a recent UFC Fight Pass interview, Strickland shared his candid thoughts on Chimaev, acknowledging the latter's ability to sell fights but questioning whether he has truly earned his shot at the title.
Strickland Questions Chimaev's Eligibility
"For some reason, people either like him or don't like him. To me, he's simply a paycheck. He sells a lot of fights. People pay to watch, but he hasn't earned it," Strickland stated emphatically.
Chimaev recently secured a majority decision victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in the co-main event of UFC 294 last Saturday in Abu Dhabi. UFC CEO Dana White had promoted this matchup as a title eliminator, a stance that Strickland firmly 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 continued.
Strickland's Rise to Championship
Strickland clinched the middleweight belt with a surprising unanimous decision victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 last September, one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. Currently, the champion is enjoying a three-fight winning streak.
Chimaev's Return to Middleweight
Chimaev made his return to the middleweight division at UFC 294, having previously competed at welterweight. On short notice, Usman stepped into the middleweight division to replace Paulo Costa, who had to withdraw from the event due to an elbow injury and subsequent surgery.
Despite not having fought in over a year prior to his bout with Usman, Chimaev claimed victory via submission against Kevin Holland in a 180-pound catchweight fight at UFC 279 in September 2022.
A Controversial Decision?
Strickland has expressed 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, stating it was just a fight "to fill a seat."
Past Training Incident
Strickland also recalled a past training incident where he claims Chimaev misinterpreted something he said and failed to show up for a scheduled session. Despite this, Strickland maintains that he holds no fear in facing Chimaev.
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.” As the tension between the two fighters continues to build, fans eagerly await the potential showdown between the current champion and the rising contender.