Sean Strickland Goes on Expletive Filled Rant to Call Out Khamzat Chimaev After Stunning Finish

UFC middleweight Sean Strickland talks about fighting Khamzat Chimaev next, following his win over Anthony Hernandez.

Sean Strickland Goes on Expletive Filled Rant to Call Out Khamzat Chimaev After Stunning Finish

Sean Strickland calls out Khamzat Chimaev (via X)

In Short
  • Sean Strickland secured a TKO victory over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston, silencing critics after a six-month suspension.
  • Following his win, Strickland called out current champion Khamzat Chimaev, criticizing his relationship with Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov.
  • Strickland claimed he outperformed Chimaev in past training sessions, labeling him a "bully" and questioning his role as UFC champion.

Heading into UFC Houston, Sean Strickland entered as the betting underdog against surging contender Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez. Strickland came back from a six-month suspension and a devastating championship defeat to Dricus Du Plessis, which raised doubts. Meanwhile, Hernandez stepped into the contest boasting an impressive 8-fight win streak and growing contender status.

Many experts predicted Hernandez would overwhelm Strickland with relentless pressure and grappling threats. However, the ‘Tarzan’ delivered a composed performance that silenced critics. Strickland controlled distance beautifully, established his jab early, and disrupted Hernandez’s rhythm with calculated defensive awareness.

As the rounds progressed, Hernandez struggled to implement his usual pressure-heavy game against the disciplined opponent. Strickland’s accuracy and composure gradually wore down ‘Fluffy’ as the Houston crowd loudly cheered. The former champion sensed momentum shifting and began increasing volume while maintaining trademark defensive responsibility.

Eventually, sustained pressure and clean combinations forced the referee to intervene, awarding Strickland a decisive TKO victory. Following the win, Strickland first gave Hernandez his flowers and squashed their ongoing rivalry. Getting back to the business, ‘Tarzan’ then made a curse-filled call-out against the Chechen superstar and current champion Khamzat Chimaev. 

I would like a piece of that Chechen. You never know with that guy but that’s what I want.

Sean Strickland via UFC Houston Octagon interview 

Strickland has been mocking Chimaev for his relationship with Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov for a long time now. According to the American fighter, ‘Borz’ sold his soul to Kadyrov in order to get his support and expensive gifts. In the past, the fighter was seen training with Kadyrov’s son and deliberately lost to the warlord’s son, which went viral on the internet. 

Apart from that, Strickland has mocked Khamzat Chimaev, calling him a terrorist in his last press conference before the bout. He mentioned that American fans didn’t want to see Chimaev fighting Nassourdine Imavov at the White House event. According to ‘Tarzan’, his wrestling background and takedown defense can give Chimaev the biggest challenge in the division. 

With this win, Strickland has yet again proved why he’s one of the top fighters in the UFC middleweight division. The fighter was in top shape, and it was similar to his title-winning performance against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Going forward, it has definitely changed the dynamics of this current UFC middleweight division. 

Sean Strickland shared gym stories regarding ‘bully’ Khamzat Chimaev 

In 2020, Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev trained together at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. The gym led by coach Eric Nicksick saw multiple sparring sessions between Chimaev and Strickland during the COVID pandemic times. During the intense sparring rounds, stories emerged about heated exchanges and competitive sessions that drew attention.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland (via X)

Strickland later claimed he got the better of Chimaev in training, questioning his dominance publicly. Chimaev responded with equal confidence, insisting he handled Strickland comfortably during those sparring rounds. To this day, both fighters maintain they outperformed the other whenever they shared the gym. 

Following UFC Houston, Chimaev took X and responded to Strickland’s call-out in a casual way. “Habibi calm down, I destroyed the guy who beat you twice.” The ‘Tarzan’ was asked about the training stories, and Strickland shared his side of the story. 

I made him quit training. We were doing positional grappling. He started on my back, and I let him choke me. When I walk into a gym, every time Chimaev walked into the gym, he would find the smallest guy. Chimaev is a bully. What he does in the division, he just runs and hides. 

Sean Strickland via UFC Houston post-fight presser 

Chimaev, on the other hand, has been extremely vocal about his chances of fighting Alex Pereira in the light heavyweight division. However, UFC CEO Dana White recently shut down those dreams, asking the ‘Borz’ to defend his belt instead against top contenders.

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