Khamzat Chimaev is eager to get inside the octagon after a one-year gap at UFC 308. The ‘Borz’ will take on top middleweight Robert Whittaker in a fight that can get him closer to a title opportunity. Ahead of the fight, Chimaev talked about his potential title opponent, Sean Strickland. As it turns out, the Chechen warrior is quite comfortable with his skills against the ‘Tarzan.’
Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland have already trained and sparred together in the past. However, over time, their relationship has gone through a total 180-degree turn with several online disputes. Chimaev had previously threatened Strickland about releasing video evidence of him choking out the American. In a recent interview, the undefeated fighter doubled down on his claims.
Yeah, we sparred with him, we trained with that guy and I don’t know, we’ve been good when we’ve been in the gym. When I back to Sweden, he start tweet and do some things… Yeah, he didn’t like when I said I tapped him out… Yeah, [I submitted him] many times, bro… [I got him with] chokes, different things… but he’s a good fighter. He’s tough guy, tough dude.
Khamzat Chimaev via Michael Bisping’s YouTube channel
Sean Strickland is recognized for his striking and unrelenting forward push but not for his wrestling. On the other hand, Chimaev is one of the finest wrestlers on the roster, and anything can happen in sparring. However, Chimaev is unsure of what caused his disagreement with Strickland.
⚡️ Khamzat Chimaev stated that he submitted Sean Strickland many times while training with him.
🎥 @bisping ▫️ pic.twitter.com/1xkpuHwJme
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 23, 2024
The former UFC middleweight champion was quite enraged with Chimaev after the alleged crypto scam. He also mocked the ‘Borz’ for his close relationship with terrorist warlord Ramzan Kadyrov. Given the animosity, fans are excited to see both fighters inside the octagon in the future. However, before that, Chimaev will have to focus on what’s ahead of him this Saturday.
Khamzat Chimaev predicts his fight at UFC 308
A few years ago, Khamzat Chimaev didn’t want to fight Robert Whittaker because of his respect for the former middleweight champion. However, things have changed since then, and moving to middleweight meant for Chimaev to go through the Australian fighter. The fight was originally scheduled earlier this year but had to be shifted.
Whittaker has had two training camps for Chimaev and is confident about his striking and cardio. On the opposite side, Chimaev believes he’s the best wrestler and will dominate Whittaker with ease. In a recent interview, he gave a very straightforward prediction of the upcoming clash.
I win, just that. I will be a different animal in action. Everyone talks about my conditioning…he will be destroyed five round.
Khamzat Chimaev via UFC on TNT Sports
“I will be a different animal in action” 👀
Khamzat Chimaev envisions “destroying” Robert Whittaker on Saturday#UFC308 | Oct 26, 5PM | LIVE on TNT Sports Box Office ➡️ pic.twitter.com/qG4h2hghRP
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) October 23, 2024
Considering Chimaev’s wrestling abilities, UFC stars like Arman Tsarukyan and Belal Muhammad have predicted similar outcomes. Recently, Chimaev opened up about recovering from depression and feeling mentally strong. It will be intriguing to see how a confident, carefree Chimaev performs against one of the division’s toughest competitors.
