Chael Sonnen believes that if Sean Strickland loses to Khamzat Chimaev, it will mark the beginning of an extended era of Chimaev dominance in the UFC. Sonnen recalled warning the promotion in 2012 about a "Russian invasion" by bearded fighters who would take all the belts. As a former wrestler himself, Sonnen argued that these fighters come from a culture with a different level of toughness and grit. He stated that Strickland represents America's last line of defense in the middleweight division. If Chimaev defeats Strickland, Sonnen predicts the UFC should prepare for a lengthy Chimaev era, as he believes it will be very difficult for anyone to beat him for a long time.
