Since a fight between them would end everything, Khamzat Chimaev doesn’t really see the need to engage in a nasty verbal sparring match with UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland.
Chimaev addressed Strickland’s frequently contentious remarks during a charity event benefiting Palestine, focusing in particular on some extremely venomous messages he wrote to Belal Muhammad on social media. The conversation began when Muhammad said on Twitter, “pray for Palestine,” in the midst of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This prompted Strickland to criticize Muhammad in a number of posts.
Chimaev shared a similar message on his own social media platforms, but Strickland never replied, and he is certain he understands why.
Chimaev stated to Mohammed Hijab on his YouTube channel, “He has to be afraid.” “I intend to pursue him.”
Chimaev has never shied away from a confrontation, but he has also made it plain that he wants to lead by example for those who see him. For these reasons, he doesn’t feel the need to start insulting Strickland on the internet.
According to Chimaev, “the fight is in the cage.” “We know that all the kids watching want to be like us and strong individuals, so if we can make some people happy who are going through terrible times, we can do that. Belal [Muhammad], me, Khabib [Nurmagomedov], and all the Muslim fighters will be happy too. We strive to present a positive image for them, inshallah.
“These guys, including Sean Strickland, ought to be terrified of us.” We fight for all Muslims, not only for ourselves as they do.
Naturally, Chimaev trained with Strickland during the time that both fighters were based out of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, which furthers the plot regarding a possible matchup between them.
NEWEST VIDEO FROM SB COUNTRY
Devin Haney’s Next Fight Is Against Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis
Devin Haney talks about the finest pound-for-pound fighter, Bob Arum’s remarks, life at 140 pounds, a future at 147 pounds, his recent performance versus Regis Prograis, Ryan Garcia, why he returned to Matchroom Boxing, Gervonta Davis, and more.
VIEW MORE VIEW LESS
Since then, Strickland has stunned everyone by defeating Israel Adesanya in September of last year to win the UFC middleweight championship. Although almost everyone was taken aback by the victory, Chimaev actually had a suspicion it would occur.
“I was aware that this fight would involve an unusual development,” Chimaev remarked. “I believed Sean Strickland would win the bout if he was able to submit the opponent in the opening round. I kept it to myself and didn’t share it with anyone. He prevailed in the battle. He’s not horrible, but he’s one of the better fighters, so we have no issues.
In October of last year, Chimaev made his UFC debut by defeating former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in a contender’s bout. Following that, Chimaev had to cope with a ruptured ligament in his hand, which hindered his ability to compete, therefore the UFC decided to give the next title shot to Dricus Du Plesis.
Although Strickland and Du Plessis are currently slated to square off in the main event of UFC 297 on January 20, Chimaev fully anticipates drawing the victor when he returns later this year.
“He is in the fight right now, and he is fighting against [Dricus] du Plessis with a good fighter; if he prevails over this guy, we will definitely fight,” Chimaev declared. It is exactly how it should be.
“They assured me we would fight.” We’ll now have to wait and watch who emerges victorious to claim the title.