Sean Strickland takes another shot at Khamzat Chimaev as push for UFC title fight continues

Sean Strickland continues to stoke the flames in his heated war of words with UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev.

Strickland is fresh off a highlight reel finish over Anthony Hernandez in the UFC Houston headliner. The second-round TKO victory left many wondering if Strickland had done enough to shoot up to No. 1 contender status. Strickland is a former 185-pound titleholder, and he’s pounding the table for another championship fight.

In an Instagram post, Strickland had a caption aimed at Chimaev. “Its been a fun dive weekend but back to work,” Strickland wrote. “Terrorist to fight, belts to be won.”

Shortly after the aforementioned victory over Hernandez, Strickland told BJPenn.com that he believes “Borz” will be forced to defend the UFC Middleweight Championship.

“No, I think he will eventually,” Strickland said to BJPenn.com. “I think whenever the Chechen warlord says, ‘Alright, it’s time for you to go represent us,’ I think he’ll be forced to fight. I don’t think he likes fighting. I mean, fighting sucks. It’s [expletive] scary, it’s hard, but I don’t think he’s a natural fighter. He’s a natural grappler, maybe.”

Nassourdine Imavov had been the popular choice among fans as the No. 1 contender for the middleweight gold prior to Strickland’s recent fight. Imavov’s last defeat was against Strickland, who won their early 2023 showdown via unanimous decision.

As of late, Strickland and Imavov have also fired verbal shots. Strickland got the beef started when he said a bout between Chimaev and Imavov would be a battle of “terrorists.” Imavov didn’t appreciate the comment and has been calling for a rematch with the former middleweight champion.

Do you expect Sean Strickland to get the next UFC middleweight title shot against Khamzat Chimaev? Is it more likely he faces Nassourdine Imavov in a No. 1 contender bout? Let us know in the comments below.