Chael Sonnen predicts Chimaev era if he defeats Strickland

Chael Sonnen believes a Khamzat Chimaev victory over Sean Strickland will mark the beginning of Chimaev's dominant era in the UFC. Sonnen recalled warning the UFC about a "Russian invasion" back in 2012, predicting bearded fighters would take all the belts. As a wrestler himself, Sonnen emphasized that the wrestling culture from that region represents a different level of toughness. He framed Strickland as "our last line of defense" and warned that if Chimaev gets past him, fans should prepare for an extended Chimaev era. Sonnen suggested it will be a long time before anyone can defeat Chimaev once he establishes dominance.