Sean Strickland expressed his belief that external pressures, particularly from Chechen influences, will eventually compel Khamzat Chimaev to defend his UFC Middleweight Championship. Strickland pointed to Chimaev’s long absence from competition since winning the title as a sign of reluctance rather than injury-related issues.
Chimaev’s Recent Activity and Strickland’s Criticism
Chimaev last competed in August 2025, when he secured the middleweight belt by dominating Dricus du Plessis through nearly 22 minutes of grappling control, earning a unanimous decision victory. Since that fight, Chimaev has not appeared in the Octagon, a streak that has frustrated Strickland, who doubts the legitimacy of Chimaev’s reported injuries. He suggested Chimaev may prefer the spotlight of being champion over actively defending the title.
Strickland’s Views on Chimaev’s Fighting Style and Motivation
In a recent interview, Strickland stopped short of saying Chimaev would relinquish the belt but predicted external pressure would force him back into competition. According to Strickland,
“No, I think he will eventually. 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.”
Potential Matchups and Chimaev’s Preferences
Chimaev has publicly shown more interest in pursuing a super fight against UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira rather than defending his title against the widely regarded top contender Nassourdine Imavov. Though Chimaev has acknowledged Imavov personally, he has voiced a clear preference to avoid facing him in the cage.
Strickland’s Own Title Ambitions and Upcoming Fight
Meanwhile, Strickland aims to move closer to a championship opportunity with his forthcoming bout against Anthony Hernandez, scheduled as the headliner for UFC Houston this Saturday. His performance there could reshape the middleweight division’s hierarchy amid growing uncertainty about Chimaev’s activity.
Wider Implications for the Middleweight Division
Chimaev’s inactivity and hesitancy to defend his title raise questions about the future landscape of the middleweight division. While fans and fighters wait, pressure from influential figures within Chimaev’s background, such as the referenced Chechen warlord, may be decisive in forcing the champion back into action. The division’s next months will likely reveal whether Chimaev commits to defending the belt or if a vacancy becomes inevitable.
