Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev’s Major ‘Blood Feud’ Mistake Highlighted by UFC Legend

UFC legend highlights how Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev missed a major opportunity to make their rematch more successful.

Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev’s Major ‘Blood Feud’ Mistake Highlighted by UFC Legend

Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 (Image via Bleacher Report)

Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev‘s heated rivalry took an unexpected turn following their UFC 328 middleweight title clash. Months of bad blood and repeated confrontations fueled expectations that their hostility would continue after the fight. Instead, their post-fight interaction showed mutual respect, shifting the narrative surrounding one of the division’s most intense rivalries.

The rivalry between Strickland and Chimaev began during their time at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. Their relationship quickly soured, leading to personal insults and repeated callouts on social media. The hostility carried into UFC 328 fight week, with both middleweights exchanging verbal jabs during the press conference and ceremonial weigh-ins.

However, Strickland’s split decision win over Chimaev changed the rivalry’s tone. Both fighters embraced afterward, with Strickland saying much of the feud was exaggerated to promote the fight. UFC legend Daniel Cormier recently explained why ending the bad blood so quickly was not ideal amid rematch speculation.

They talked about killing each other and all this stuff, and then that was buried. I thought to myself, ‘Okay, this thing’s over’ because you cannot sell a rematch or any type of rivalry between these two because you almost pulled the curtain back. We know bad blood between these two equates to a really good fight and honestly, the fight wasn’t bad. To the general fan, how do we get them to believe it, when the ultimate truth speaker in our league has told us he doesn’t really hate him as much as it may seem? They’re not going to be able to sell it on a blood feud like they did last time.

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel

Cormier was heavily invested in the UFC 328 main event long before fight night arrived. He was also among the first analysts to warn Chimaev about the challenges Strickland presented. Cormier highlighted the controversial star’s durability, relentless pressure, and defensive strengths before their middleweight title clash.

‘DC’ was not the only prominent MMA figure to weigh in on the rivalry’s aftermath. MMA Insider Ariel Helwani also criticized Strickland for referencing the Chechen superstar’s religion and family during the buildup. Helwani later questioned the credibility of Strickland’s public persona after his comments about the feud.

Despite those later claims, UFC 328 was a major commercial success. Strickland and Chimaev’s rivalry generated significant attention throughout the event’s buildup. The card drew 17,783 fans, produced a $7.5 million gate, and became Prudential Center’s highest-grossing combat sports event.

However, Chimaev has reignited the rivalry by repeatedly pushing for a rematch with the new middleweight champion. He has accused ‘Tarzan’ of avoiding a second fight since losing the title at UFC 328. Strickland has also fired back, stating he will be ready to silence the former champion once he fully recovers from his shoulder injury.

Sean Strickland has targeted a return to the Octagon in December 2026 after recovering from his shoulder injury. ‘Borz’, meanwhile, remains active under the RAF banner and is scheduled to face Tyron Woodley at RAF Moscow. UFC CEO Dana White has indicated that a title rematch ultimately depends on fan demand, leaving the rivalry’s next chapter undecided.

RELATED
Khamzat Chimaev Reveals His Next Move as He Pushes For Sean Strickland Rematch

Sean Strickland goes on a heated rant aimed at top UFC matchmaker

UFC CEO Dana White has frequently faced criticism over fighter compensation and contract structures within the promotion. However, White has consistently defended the UFC’s business model, highlighting the platform it provides fighters to build their careers and gain global recognition.

Much of the criticism has recently shifted toward other members of the UFC’s leadership. UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell has faced scrutiny from current and former fighters, including Colby Covington and Ronda Rousey, over claims involving limited fighter opportunities.

Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland (Image via X)

Sean Strickland has been one of the UFC’s most vocal critics regarding fighter pay and contracts. He continued that stance by recently targeting UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby. Strickland also highlighted how small issues within the promotion can impact a fighter’s long-term career.

There’s a [matchmaker] named Sean Shelby. Everybody hates dealing with him. I’m friends with him, but he was my [matchmaker] at welterweight. I say this as a friend, ‘Sean. You’re a nice guy, but everybody hates you.’ You could have a boring fight or something, and he will bench you for like eight months. Or you could say, ‘Hey Sean, I want a fight.’ He’ll call you two weeks out from a fight. Dude, two weeks out. You can’t give me a little more notice? And if you say no, he’ll bench you.

Sean Strickland via The Shawn Ryan Show

Strickland has also criticized the UFC’s updated bonus policy while continuing his push for improved fighter compensation. His comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding fighter pay and contracts. The middleweight champion remains one of the promotion’s most vocal critics on financial issues.

Also Read: