“He hasn’t earned it,” Sean Strickland hungry for the payday but not convinced Khamzat Chimaev deserves the title shot

Sean Strickland doesn't think Khamzat has earned the title shot but is still ready to fight for the paycheck.

“He hasn’t earned it,” Sean Strickland hungry for the payday but not convinced Khamzat Chimaev deserves the title shot

Sean Strickland claims Khamzat Chimaev doesn't deserve the title shot (Image via IMAGo)

Sean Strickland gives his honest opinion about potentially defending his UFC middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev. At UFC 294, Khamzat Chimaev was originally scared to fight Paulo Costa in a title shot decider. However, after Costa suffered a staph infection, it was Usman who stepped in on short notice. 

The fight was quite competitive; however, ‘Borz’ took the win via majority decision and solidified his position as the new middleweight title contender. But it seems like the current champion, Sean Strickland, isn’t that impressed with Chimaev’s credibility. In a recent interview, he said, 

"To me, he’s a f****** paycheck. He sells a lot of fights. People pay to watch but he f****** hasn’t earned it. He doesn’t f****** deserve it but here we are. Give it to him. He sells a lot of fights. I’ll go f****** fight the man for five rounds. But no, he has not earned it. He doesn’t f****** deserve it and getting a decision with a welterweight off the couch does not f****** earning it." 
Sean Strickland at UFC FIght Pass
YouTube video

FS Video

The reigning champ went on to clarify that, for him, the Chimaev fight primarily represents a lucrative financial opportunity, placing little emphasis on any other aspects. Strickland voiced his reservations about Chimaev’s entitlement to a title shot, especially given his win over a welterweight fighter on short notice.

Nevertheless, Strickland acknowledged that the allure of increased Pay-Per-View sales ultimately swayed his decision to accept the fight. In the world of mixed martial arts, business often aligns with competition.

Controversial influencer Tristan Tate lauds Khamzat Chimaev for his peace message at UFC 294

After Khamzat Chimaev defeated Kamaru Usman in a highly contested middleweight bout at UFC 294, during his post-fight interview in the octagon, Chimaev spoke about the Gaza Strip violence, specifically the bombing of residential buildings and hospitals, causing significant harm to children and women.

Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev (Image via IMAGO)

The fighter advocated for global peace, irrespective of one’s race or religion, and also mentioned his three-month-old son and his feelings about other kids and their parents who are currently suffering in the ongoing war. 

Chimaev’s message received a lot of attention globally and the fighter got respect from all parts of the world. Andrew Tate’s younger brother, Tristan Tate, also took this opportunity to give credit to the fighter for utilizing his platform, spreading awareness, and acting like a real role model for kids.

In case you missed it!