Key Highlights
- Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland criticized current champion Khamzat Chimaev’s title defense timeline.
- Strickland mentioned that Chimaev’s return to the ring is delayed due to Ramadan, surgery, and a planned fight with Nassourdine Imavov in 2026.
- Strickland also questioned whether Chimaev would still be considered a middleweight champion given his extended absence from competition.
The Middleweight Championship Timeline Dispute: Strickland vs. Chimaev
In a recent social media post, former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland expressed his dissatisfaction with the current title holder Khamzat Chimaev’s plans for his return to the ring.
Strickland’s Criticism of Chimaev’s Return Timeline
During an interview in a recent video, Strickland turned down an offer to fight Anthony Hernandez at UFC 325. He cited high taxes in Australia as his reason for declining the bout. However, he also took a shot at Chimaev regarding his return timeline.
Chimaev’s Upcoming Fights and Delays
Chimaev recently won the gold against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 after a dominating performance. Strickland, however, was not satisfied with Chimaev’s plans for his next challenge.
Ramadan, Surgery, and Imavov
Chimaev had hinted that he would face Nassourdine Imavov as his next opponent, but the fight is set to take place in the first half of 2026. Chimaev also mentioned that this fight will be after Ramadan, the Islamic fasting period.
Strickland’s Controversial Statements
Strickland was particularly critical of these plans, stating: “Middleweight division is on f****** ice, dude. You got Chimaev the w****. He has Ramadan, then he has a surgery, then he’s gonna fight Nassourdine in a year and just dry hump Nassourdine, then he’s going to go back home and kiss the dictator, maybe his ovaries are hurting. The middleweight division doesn’t exist, I’d be better off trying to fight for the 205 belt now that the middleweight belt, it don’t exist anymore.”
Chimaev’s Activity in the Promotion
While Chimaev is one of the most recognizable names in UFC, his activity within the promotion has not been the greatest. He has fought just once a year since 2023 and had only two fights in 2022. In March 2021, he posted a retirement video following a bout with COVID-19 before returning to action against Li Jingliang in October 2021.
Strickland’s Past and Present
Strickland himself hasn’t fought since losing the UFC middleweight title to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312 in February. He previously won the belt by defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 but lost it in his first title defense against du Plessis at UFC 297.
Strickland’s comments reflect a broader debate about the legitimacy of current champions and their engagement with the sport, particularly when long absences can impact divisional relevance.
