SUMMARY
- Previously, there was a lot of talk after Khamzat Chimaev moved up to middleweight.
- For the most part, Chimaev was on good terms with Strickland, having sparred together in the past.
Khamzat Chimaev has been out of action for some time now. Owing to injuries and other health complications, the surging contender finds himself sidelined. However, despite all his problems, he is keen on getting his showdown against Sean Strickland.
Previously, there was a lot of talk after Khamzat moved up to middleweight. Although he had yet to fight any top contenders in the division, ‘Borz’ called for a fight against the Middleweight Champ. Owing to their time training together, Chimaev believes that he could easily get the better of Strickland in a real fight.
Speaking during a charity event for Palestine, Chimaev stated, “He (Sean Strickland) has to be afraid. I’m coming for him.” Further, he adds, “He has the fight now, he has a good fighter who’s fighting with him [Dricus] du Plessis, if he wins against this guy, for sure we’re going to fight.” Notably, Khamzat points out, “They (the UFC) promised me that fight. Now we’re going to wait (to see) who is winning that fight and take the belt”.
For the most part, Chimaev was on good terms with Strickland, having sparred together in the past. However, the middleweight champ’s war of words with Belal Muhammad over the Israel-Palestine conflict has likely not gone down well with Chimaev. Previously, the Chechen fighter also pledged his support to the countless children and families affected in Gaza.
Fans react to Khamzat Chimaev getting the winner of Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis
While it does make for a good storyline, it is a rather tricky situation regardless. For one, Khamzat Chimaev does not have wins over any middleweight in the rankings. During his brief stint at middleweight, Chimaev’s last win over a true middleweight came against Gerald Meerschaert in 2020.
Following this, Chimaev’s latest fight against Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 was also at middleweight. However, Usman, a former welterweight champion, managed to take him into deep waters. In the end, Kamaru only lost via a controversial decision. Thus, many middleweights have been left unimpressed with his performances so far. As such, it is no surprise that his fighting for the title next would be against public opinion.
Taking to social media, fans expressed their disapproval of the matter. Although he might become a champion in the future, fans believe Khamzat should not be allowed to skip the line. As such, a fan wrote, “This sport has become a joke.” Similarly, other fans added, “Doesn’t even have a ranked win against a MW” and “Khamzat is a joke man. Lost all his aura and credibility”.
Thus, it is quite clear what the general consensus is on the matter at the moment. Whilst it is puzzling as to how or why the UFC has ‘promised’ Chimaev a title shot, stranger things have happened in the past. In the meantime, some fans have theorized that Khamzat will be given the shot should Sean Strickland prevail at UFC 297. On the other hand, Israel Adesanya will be expected to step in should Du Plessis emerge victorious instead.