Brendan Allen criticized Sean Strickland for his challenging behavior, specifically referencing Strickland's past training sessions with Khamzat Chimaev. Allen claimed that during those training sessions, Strickland did not exhibit the same confrontational attitude he displays publicly. He further alleged that Strickland complained to Eric about being a bad coach for pairing him with Chimaev. Allen suggested that Strickland avoids discussing these details publicly. The post indicates tension between the two middleweights, though specific details about the context or timing of these training sessions are limited.
Middleweight contender Brendan Allen went public on May 5 with sharp criticism of Sean Strickland, taking aim at what he described as a gap between Strickland's public persona and his actual behavior during past training sessions with Khamzat Chimaev.
Allen, ranked fifth in the middleweight division at 30 years old, carries a 26-7 record and trains out of Kill Cliff FC. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he has built his reputation as a well-rounded threat, averaging 1.56 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 53 percent.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, is a 35-year-old Xtreme Couture product with a 31-7 record. Known for his high-output pressure style, he lands 6.04 significant strikes per minute and sports a 76-inch reach at six-foot-one. His willingness to talk confrontationally — inside and outside the gym — has become a central part of his public image.
Allen's criticism cuts directly at that image. He alleged that when Strickland trained alongside top-ranked contender Khamzat Chimaev, the champion did not bring the same combative energy he projects publicly. Allen also claimed Strickland complained to coach Eric about being paired with Chimaev, calling it poor coaching. Allen suggested Strickland deliberately avoids addressing these details in public settings.
Chimaev, ranked first in the middleweight division at 32 years old, holds a 15-1 record and carries a pound-for-pound ranking of tenth. He averages an elite 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and a 60 percent striking accuracy, making him one of the most physically imposing training partners in the sport.
Why it matters
- Allen is ranked fifth and a credible middleweight voice, giving his accusations meaningful weight in the division
- The allegations directly challenge the authenticity of Strickland's confrontational public brand
- Chimaev sits at number one in the division, meaning the training dynamic Allen describes involves the champion and his most dangerous potential opponent
