Khamzat Chimaev addressed media day comments ahead of his bout with Sean Strickland, who previously stated they will "die as enemies" and never shake hands. Chimaev explained he posted old sparring footage with Strickland because Strickland claimed he only spars weak opponents, adding that during their session Strickland would complain to his coach when things got harder. When asked about Arman Tsarukyan's chances against Strickland at middleweight, Chimaev said Tsarukyan would win. He stated he does not plan a specific finish, just to fight and see what happens. Chimaev also said he is ready to compete every three months but visa issues have delayed his activity, and that his weight class decisions depend on what UFC pays him.
Khamzat Chimaev used a pre-fight media day appearance to fire back at Sean Strickland's vow that the two will "die as enemies" and never exchange a post-fight handshake, while also revealing that visa complications — not a lack of desire — are the primary reason he has not fought more frequently.
Chimaev, 32, enters the bout as the number-one ranked middleweight and the number-ten pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, carrying a 15-1 record under the banner of Allstars Training Center. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he is one of the division's most complete threats, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy rate of 60 percent. He explained that he shared old sparring footage of himself with Strickland specifically to counter the champion's claim that he only works with weaker training partners, noting that Strickland would complain to his corner when the exchanges became uncomfortable.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, holds a 31-7 record and trains out of Xtreme Couture. The 35-year-old American stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and is among the busiest strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute. He has been public about his disdain for Chimaev, and his "die as enemies" comment set the tone for what has been a contentious build-up.
On the subject of Arman Tsarukyan, the 29-year-old number-one ranked lightweight who carries a 23-3 record out of American Top Team, Chimaev was direct — he said Tsarukyan would win if the two were to meet at middleweight.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's willingness to fight every three months, if visa issues are resolved, could make him one of the most active top contenders in the division
- A win over champion Strickland would give Chimaev his first UFC title; the stakes could hardly be higher for the middleweight landscape
- Chimaev's note that his weight class choices depend on UFC compensation leaves open the possibility he operates at welterweight or middleweight going forward
