Team Sean Strickland Reveals Blueprint to Beat ‘Systematic’ Khamzat Chimaev in Potential Title Fight

Sean Strickland's coach, Eric Nicksick, talks about their gameplan to beat middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.

Team Sean Strickland Reveals Blueprint to Beat ‘Systematic’ Khamzat Chimaev in Potential Title Fight

Sean Strickland's coach Eric Nicksick talks about Khamzat Chimaev's title fight (via X)

In Short
  • Sean Strickland aims to reclaim the middleweight championship and has called out Khamzat Chimaev for a title fight.
  • Strickland's coach outlines a strategy to disrupt Chimaev's systematic wrestling and create doubt during the fight.
  • Nassourdine Imavov expresses strong dislike for Strickland, adding tension to the middleweight division's competitive landscape.

The UFC middleweight division has recently become extremely intriguing with several significant shifts among top-ranked contenders. Former champion Sean Strickland secured an impressive TKO victory over Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez to re-enter title contention. Following the win, Strickland immediately called out the reigning champion Khamzat Chimaev for a potential showdown.

Sean Strickland has openly stated his desire to bring the middleweight championship back to America once again. Confident in his wrestling base and takedown defense, he believes he can neutralize the threat of Khamzat Chimaev. In a recent interview, Strickland’s head coach, Eric Nicksick, outlined a calculated game plan to defeat the reigning champion.

We’re going to have our work cut out for us. If we can shut some of that stuff down and make him doubt any of these routes that he’s on, especially when it comes to the ground game – he’s very systematic – if we can disrupt some of those chain wrestling sequences that he puts together and make him restart and put some doubt in his mind. And when you defend those takedowns, make him pay for it. Tell him, hey, if you’re going to come in here, you’re going to have to pay a price for that.

Sean Strickland via Submission Radio

Khamzat Chimaev is widely recognized for his dominant wrestling skills and relentless takedown attempts from long-range distances. Against Dricus Du Plessis, he controlled the contest across five rounds, leaving little room for offensive responses or momentum shifts. Throughout the bout, Chimaev repeatedly grounded the former champion and dictated positioning with heavy top pressure and transitions to control.

Du Plessis’s coach later expressed frustration, blaming the referee for limited intervention while criticizing Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy approach and tactics. Sean Strickland previously shared a public fallout with head coach Eric Nicksick and stopped working together. However, both have reconciled, and Strickland’s strong showing at UFC Houston proved their partnership remains effective.

Strickland and Chimaev’s rivalry has been around for a long time, and following his recent win, Strickland reignited it. ‘Tarzan’ called the Chechen fighter a bully while remembering their days when they trained each other. Chimaev responded by saying that he choked out Strickland when they trained at Xtreme Couture gym. All this back and forth has certainly increased hype surrounding this potential title fight. 

Top contender Nassourdine Imavov warns Sean Strickland 

Sean Strickland is widely known for controversial remarks and unapologetic opinions that frequently dominate MMA headlines. He recently sparked debate after commenting on the upcoming clash between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. Strickland also weighed in on Bad Bunny and criticized the entertainment value of the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov
Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov (via X)

UFC CEO Dana White defended him while accusing media members of provoking outrage-driven responses for online clicks. Additionally, Strickland mocked top contender Nassourdine Imavov regarding a possible fight with Khamzat Chimaev. The comments reportedly frustrated Imavov, who addressed his feelings about the outspoken former champion during a recent interview.

I hate him. I don’t like the way he speaks. I don’t like the way he thinks. I don’t like the way he speaks about my people.… I will leave him dead inside the cage.

Nassourdine Imavov via MMA Fighting 

Nassourdine Imavov is riding a five-fight win streak and currently ranks #2 in the division. In his latest appearance, he defeated Caio Borralho to firmly enter the middleweight title conversation among other contenders.

Both Imavov and Khamzat Chimaev have verbally agreed to fight, though no official announcement has been made. With Sean Strickland entering discussions, fans anticipate a significant shift in the promotion’s final decision.

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