Luke Rockhold predicts masterclass from Khamzat Chimaev over ‘piece of sh**’ Sean Strickland

Luke Rockhold doesn’t think much of Sean Strickland as a person, and he hopes Khamzat Chimaev steamrolls him.

Chimaev is scheduled to put his UFC Middleweight Championship at stake against Strickland on May 9. The two will clash inside the Prudential Center in Newark for the UFC 328 headliner. There is some bad blood going into this one, with both men even threatening a potential street fight.

Speaking to Adam Zubayraev, Rockhold gave his assessment of the upcoming title fight. He also made it clear that he isn’t a fan of Strickland’s antics and is hoping for a one-sided beatdown in favor of Chimaev.

“Sean is like, he’s effective,” Rockhold said. “He’s scrappy and he hangs in there. Khamzat, he’s so much more talented. It’s about who can relax and implement their game plan the best. Khamzat’s doing everything he needs to, and I think he can really have a masterclass. I think last time out, there was a little bit of tension. He wanted to win the world title. Now, he can go out there and be his best, and I expect the best from Khamzat. I would love to see him put this [expletive] American away. I mean, I’m American, but I like good people. Khamzat is a great person through and through. Sean Strickland, he’s a piece of [expletive].”

This isn’t the first time Rockhold has had harsh words for Strickland. The former 185-pound titleholder blasted Strickland for his efforts against Dricus du Plessis in their UFC 312 rematch. Rockhold told Ariel Helwani that Strickland talked a big game, but his fighting style didn’t match the gift of gab.

What do you make of Luke Rockhold’s comments about Sean Strickland? Do you agree, or do you have a different take as we get closer to UFC 328? Sound off in the comments below.