Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland criticized current titleholder Khamzat Chimaev for his prolonged inactivity, warning that it could stall the middleweight division for an extended period. Strickland’s concerns come amid Chimaev’s steady hold on the belt despite fighting very infrequently since becoming champion.
Strickland Questions UFC’s Handling of Chimaev and Financial Motivations
In an interview with ESPN, Strickland expressed disapproval of how the UFC manages Chimaev’s status, blaming the organization for allowing a fighter with limited bouts to dominate the division. He remarked,
“It’s kind of weird what the UFC did with Chimaev,”
before accusing the fighter of having financial backing and personal connections that reduce his need to compete regularly. Strickland suggested Chimaev benefits financially both inside and outside the octagon, saying,
“The guy doesn’t need to fight dude. He’s best friends with a f*cking warlord. He doesn’t need to f*cking fight. Dude gets gifted G Wagons.”
He also noted the economic incentives for Chimaev to hold the title without defending it frequently, explaining that from a money standpoint, the champion might earn more by waiting than by actively fighting for the belt.
“You have somebody who like, he’s just going to sit on that f*cking belt and wait and wait until they force him to fight,”
Strickland added.
Potential Impact of Injury and Long Layoffs on Division’s Future
Strickland highlighted the risk of injury prolonging Chimaev’s absence, given the fighter’s history.
“Say Chimaev goes and fights Nassourdine [Imavov] in six months. Well, let’s say Chimaev springs his f*cking pinky like he normally does. Now he takes another year off,”
he said, outlining a scenario that could stretch the title’s inactivity to two years or more. This, he claimed, diminishes the championship’s relevance and reduces the division’s momentum.
Chimaev’s Earlier Activity and Recent Struggles
When Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene in 2020, he quickly gained a reputation for fighting frequently, racking up three victories in just over a month. However, since then, recurring injuries and illnesses have sidelined him, leading to far fewer appearances inside the cage.
Chimaev captured the middleweight title last August after defeating Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision, but that victory marked only his third contest over the previous three years. Now 31 years old, Chimaev remains without a scheduled defense, with reports suggesting he will not fight again until after Ramadan, potentially delaying his next bout until April or later.
Wider Implications for the Middleweight Division and UFC Fans
Chimaev’s ongoing inactivity raises concerns over the future of the middleweight class, as the division’s progress depends on the champion’s willingness and ability to defend the title regularly. Sean Strickland’s condemnation amplifies calls for the UFC to address the stall in competition and find solutions that keep the division competitive and engaging for fans.
As Chimaev’s situation unfolds, stakeholders and fans alike will watch closely to see whether he returns sooner than expected or if the division suffers further delays. The organization’s decisions in the coming months could redefine the balance of power within the middleweight ranks and impact UFC’s overall momentum heading into future events.
