Brendan Schaub is calling on the UFC to arrange a middleweight title fight featuring Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland as soon as possible, citing the matchup’s clear appeal for fans and the promotion alike. Schaub sees this pairing as an essential next step given Strickland’s recent dominant performance and growing star power within the UFC.
Sean Strickland’s Recent Victory Elevates Him as Top Title Contender
In the UFC Houston headliner, Sean Strickland delivered a commanding win against Anthony Hernandez by landing a perfectly timed knee to the body, followed by a series of punches that ended the fight via TKO. This impressive showing has led many to advocate for Strickland as the leading challenger for Khamzat Chimaev’s middleweight championship. Strickland’s performance demonstrated his readiness and further raised his profile among UFC fans and insiders.
Schaub Highlights Strickland’s Value as a UFC Star and Title Challenger
On a recent episode of The Schaub Show, Brendan Schaub elaborated on why Strickland should be the next to face Chimaev for the 185-pound belt. He pointed out that Strickland ranks among the UFC’s select few stars who attract significant attention and business advantage. Schaub also dismissed the idea that Nassourdine Imavov would be the next contender, emphasizing that Strickland’s victory over Imavov on short notice solidifies his position.
Sean Strickland is one of their only stars,
Schaub said.
There’s probably 10 of them; he’s one of the 10. It gains traction. The UFC will use this as fuel for the next fight. If you think Imavov is getting the next title shot, you don’t know how this business works. Strickland beat him on days’ notice, so that doesn’t make much sense. Strickland is such a bigger star, which they’re dying for. Him vs. Khamzat is already on a platter. It’s right there.
Strickland Expresses Desire to Face Chimaev Despite Uncertainty
In his post-fight interview following the UFC Houston main event, Sean Strickland openly called for a bout against Khamzat Chimaev, acknowledging uncertainty about when the reigning champion will be ready to defend his title. Since capturing the belt in August 2025, Chimaev has not competed again, leaving the timing of his next fight unclear.
Contender Status and Future Implications for Middleweight Division
While Nassourdine Imavov was once seen as the primary contender for the middleweight title, his loss to Strickland earlier in 2023 has complicated his prospects. This development strengthens the argument for Strickland as the immediate challenger for Chimaev’s championship. As fans and analysts watch this situation evolve, the potential matchup between Chimaev and Strickland continues to gain momentum as one of the most anticipated middleweight bouts.
The Potential Impact of Strickland vs. Chimaev for UFC’s Middleweight Landscape
A fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland would not only pit two of the division’s top talents against each other but also deliver a highly marketable event for the UFC. Schaub’s insistence on making this bout happen highlights the business and competitive reasons behind the call. If scheduled soon, the clash could reshape the middleweight division’s hierarchy and satisfy the demand of fans eager for a significant title fight.
