“When I punched you, you ran to your coach,” Khamzat Chimaev calls out Sean Strickland’s ‘macho man’ gimmick

Khamzat Chimaev was left unimpressed by the UFC 297 main event between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis.

“When I punched you, you ran to your coach,” Khamzat Chimaev calls out Sean Strickland’s ‘macho man’ gimmick

Khamzat Chimaev claims that he used to beat up Sean Strickland in the gym (via Imago)

Khamzat Chimaev’s recent remarks on Sean Strickland‘s “macho man” attitude have garnered much interest and debate in the MMA world. Chimaev’s disclosures, released during an interview with Brett Okamoto, provide light on his training experiences with Strickland and call into question Strickland’s public image authenticity.

Chimaev alleges that throughout their gym sessions, he regularly overpowered Strickland. This became so overwhelming that Strickland allegedly begged his coach to intervene and tell Khamzat Chimaev to ease off on him. If correct, the statement offers light on the competitive dynamics in the gym, as well as the intensity of professional fighters’ sparring sessions. 

Ask that guy [Sean Strickland] who was beating you up in the gym man… He went to his coach, please tell the guy so easy, go easy…He is trying to be a macho man. He is not a macho man.
Khamzat Chimaev via ESPN MMA
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Chimaev also questioned the reality of Strickland’s “macho man” persona. He claimed that his outward display of toughness, along with contentious statements, notably about his attitude on homosexuality, is only a mask. Chimaev believes that Strickland’s tough-guy reputation is just a ruse rather than a true reflection of his nature.

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Fight fans await potential comments from Sean Strickland and the other individuals involved. Whether Chimaev’s accusations are proven or disproven, the event highlights the intrigue and drama that frequently surround the world of MMA, both inside and outside of the octagon.

Khamzat Chimaev reacts to UFC 297 main event

Khamzat Chimaev, a rising star in the middleweight class, expressed disappointment with the main event of UFC 297 outcome. Despite Dricus Du Plessis’ split decision victory over reigning champion Strickland, Chimaev described the fight as “nothing special.” Chimaev has an unbeaten UFC record of 13-0. He had predicted a lackluster bout between Du Plessis and Strickland. 

Khamzat Chimaev gives his take on the UFC 297 main event
Khamzat Chimaev gives his take on the UFC 297 main event (via Sports Illustrated)

According to Chimaev, both fighters showed flaws throughout the 25-minute bout, which allowed for exploitation. He feels that there was potential for him to capitalize on deficiencies in both Du Plessis and Strickland’s skills. He implied that neither fighter demonstrated a skill set that stood out to him. This is what he had to say:

I expected the fight to be like that. Nothing special. I think it was like 50/50. It could go on which side…For me, Strickland won that fight. But that was a close fight for them both..Nothing making me like, ‘This guy’s somebody else.’ They both have a lot of things I can see where I can finish them.
Khamzat Chimaev via ESPN MMA

Chimaev’s evaluation of the fight is that it resembled a rigorous sparring session rather than a championship-caliber match. He emphasized the absence of attempts to finish the fight, highlighting the strategic and cautious nature of the contest.

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