Khamzat Chimaev addressed multiple topics at his media day appearance. He explained posting old sparring footage with Sean Strickland, claiming Strickland would go to the coach asking him to slow down during their sessions. Chimaev stated Arman Tsarukyan would defeat Strickland even now, and would certainly win if he moved up to middleweight. Regarding his fighting frequency, Chimaev said he has been ready for a long time but faced visa issues, and wants to compete every three months if UFC permits. He also discussed potential weight class changes, saying he will go wherever UFC pays him more, noting that he is 'just one of their workers.' Chimaev expressed no concern about whether he and Strickland shake hands after their fight.
Khamzat Chimaev used a media day appearance to sound off on several storylines surrounding his upcoming middleweight title fight against Sean Strickland, making clear he has little patience for the drama building around it.
Chimaev, 30 — wait, 32 — carries a 15-1 record and holds the number-one middleweight ranking as well as the tenth spot on the pound-for-pound list. Representing the UAE and training out of Allstars Training Center, "Borz" is a physically imposing presence at six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach. His numbers reflect a smothering, aggressive style: 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and a striking accuracy of 60 percent underscore why opponents rarely dictate terms against him.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, holds a 31-7 record and operates out of Xtreme Couture. The 35-year-old American stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and outputs a relentless 6.04 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the busiest volume strikers in the division.
On the subject of old sparring footage he posted featuring Strickland, Chimaev offered his own account — saying Strickland would go to their coach during sessions asking him to ease off the pressure. He also weighed in on lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, the 29-year-old Russian who holds a 23-3 record and the top lightweight ranking, stating Tsarukyan would beat Strickland now and would do so even more convincingly if he moved up to middleweight.
Chimaev addressed his recent inactivity by pointing to visa complications rather than any reluctance on his part, and said he wants to compete every three months if the UFC will allow it. On the question of a potential weight class move, he framed the decision in purely financial terms, describing himself as one of the promotion's workers who will go wherever the pay is greatest.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's media day comments add psychological pressure to an already high-stakes middleweight title bout
- His stated desire to fight every three months signals intent to remain active and dominant at 185 pounds
- Bringing Tsarukyan's name into the conversation hints at potential cross-divisional intrigue if he wins the belt
- The handshake remarks suggest the post-fight atmosphere could be as contentious as the fight itself
