Sean Strickland thinks Khamzat Chimaev will be forced to defend UFC gold by ‘Chechen warlord’

Sean Strickland believes forces outside of UFC will lead to Khamzat Chimaev eventually defending the middleweight gold.

Strickland is known for being outspoken, and his stance on Chimaev’s inactivity is no exception. Chimaev was last seen inside the Octagon when he turned in a brilliant grappling display against Dricus du Plessis. After nearly 22 minutes of control time, Chimaev won the UFC Middleweight Championship via unanimous decision.

That title fight took place back in Aug. 2025, and “Borz” hasn’t stepped inside the Octagon since. This has drawn the ire of Strickland, who has questioned Chimaev’s litany of injuries.

In a recent interview, Strickland didn’t go as far as to say that Chimaev will be forced to vacate the 185-pound gold, but he feels the middleweight titleholder likes the attention more than competing.

“No, I think he will eventually,” Strickland said. “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.”

Chimaev has showed more interest in a super fight with UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira than a title defense against Nassourdine Imavov. Many believe Imavov is the rightful No. 1 contender, but Chimaev has said he likes Imavov and would rather not face him.

Strickland hopes to get back into title contention when he shares the Octagon with Anthony Hernandez on Saturday. The two will collide in the UFC Houston headliner.

Do you think Khamzat Chimaev will defend the UFC Middleweight Championship or will he eventually be forced to vacate? Sound off in the comment section below.