Khamzat Chimaev only wants to fight for the middleweight title next, regardless of the opponent.
Chimaev cleared every shadow of doubt about his elite skillset with a dominant first-round submission win over former champ Robert Whittaker in the co-main event at UFC 308 on Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The undefeated Chechen-born Swede made a legitimate case for a title shot with his bonus-winning performance in a matchup that was billed as a potential title eliminator. However, standing in his way is Sean Strickland, who has been insistent on fighting for the title next.
After losing his strap to Dricus Du Plessis via a controversial split decision at UFC 297 this past January, Strickland bounced back with a split-decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 in June. While Dana White had previously promised Strickland the next shot, he said he’ll need some time to think after Chimaev’s win over “Bobby Knuckles.” Strickland meanwhile, lost no time in reminding everyone of his allegedly confirmed title contender status immediately after UFC 308. The former champ insists that Chimaev will have to wait while he rematches “Stillknocks” for the title early next year.
“Understand one thing…. I am next in line….. It’s been said, it’s been written… January/February me and [Dricus Du Plessis] are scrapping,” Strickland wrote on X. “Go back to Chechnya and wait a few months….. wait.. sorry UAE… you’re not allowed in Chechnya…But hey, crypto scams while you wait.”
Understand one thing…. I am next in line….. Its been said, its been written… January/February me and @dricusduplessis are scrapping
Go back to Chechnya and wait a few months….. wait.. sorry UAE… you’re not allowed in Chechnya…But hey crypto scams while you wait
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) October 26, 2024
Meanwhile, “Borz” only wants to fight for the title next and is willing to wait for the opportunity. Chimaev doesn’t have any preference of opponents as long as he gets his gold bid next.
“I don’t care. I’ll wait for the shot,” Chimaev said in a post-fight media scrum. “For me it doesn’t matter Sean [Strickland], Dricus [du Plessis], Izzy [Israel Adesanya], doesn’t matter. Give me the money and the belt. I’m fighting for the money and the belt.”
Chimaev was originally scheduled to face Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia in June but was forced out due to severe illness. Chimaev’s health issues have been linked to his workout regimen, which often bordered on overtraining. However, a change of camps leading up to UFC 308 appeared to show significant improvement for Chimaev in that regard.
