Khamzat Chimaev addressed several topics at media day ahead of his fight with Sean Strickland. He explained that he posted old sparring footage with Strickland to counter claims he only spars weak opponents, alleging Strickland complained to coaches when Chimaev increased intensity. When asked about a potential Arman Tsarukyan vs. Strickland matchup at middleweight, Chimaev predicted Tsarukyan would win. Regarding his own fight plans, Chimaev stated he doesn't have a specific strategy and will fight as he always does. He revealed he's ready to compete every three months but has been held back by visa issues. On potential weight class changes, Chimaev deferred to UFC's decision, saying he'll move if they pay him to move or stay if they pay him to stay.
Khamzat Chimaev used a pre-fight media day appearance to sound off on his rivalry with Sean Strickland, his fight frequency goals, and his willingness to move between weight classes, all ahead of their middleweight matchup.
Chimaev, 30 — wait, 32 — carries a 15-1 record and holds the number-one ranking in the middleweight division, as well as a spot at number ten on the pound-for-pound list. Fighting out of Allstars Training Center and representing the United Arab Emirates, the six-foot-two contender has built his reputation on relentless wrestling, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, and a striking accuracy of 60 percent. He addressed old sparring footage that surfaced recently, saying he released it specifically to refute suggestions that he only works with overmatched partners. His account of those sessions paints Strickland in an unflattering light, alleging that Strickland went to coaches to complain once the intensity was raised.
Standing across from Chimaev will be middleweight champion Sean Strickland, who defends a 31-7 record at 35 years old. The American out of Xtreme Couture stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and is one of the most active strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute. Strickland has held the middleweight title and enters this contest as the champion Chimaev has long targeted.
When asked about a hypothetical middleweight crossover bout involving lightweight number-one contender Arman Tsarukyan, Chimaev offered a direct prediction: Tsarukyan wins. The 29-year-old Russian carries a 23-3 record and averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes at lightweight.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's claims about the sparring footage add a personal edge to an already high-stakes title fight
- Visa problems, not desire, have limited Chimaev's activity — he says he is prepared to compete every three months
- His stance on weight class is purely financial, leaving the door open for a future move to welterweight if the UFC structures the right deal
- A Chimaev win would make him middleweight champion and could complicate the divisional picture involving Tsarukyan
