Tensions are rising in the UFC middleweight division as Sean Strickland escalates his verbal attacks on Khamzat Chimaev. Both fighters have significant fan bases and are considered top midweight crown contenders. However, Strickland’s latest remarks have taken a personal turn, with jibes on Chimaev referencing sensitive patriotic sentiments, further fueling their rivalry.
Khamzat Chimaev recently congratulated UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira for his win at 307. ESPN MMA posted the news on their Instagram account, which attracted Sean Strickland’s attention. The former champion then took this opportunity to roast Chimaev over his past antics brutally.
You should not be allowed in this country. You [sold] your soul to a terrorist dictator. You are not compatible with America…Sick of the UFC forgetting it’s an American company.
Sean Strickland via Instagram comments
Khamzat Chimaev’s ties to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov have sparked widespread debate. The Chechen tyrant, accused of human rights violations, has openly endorsed Chimaev. Even the UFC fighter has attended Kadyrov-hosted events. Chimaev renounced his Swedish citizenship in 2023, prompting additional discussion.
Sean Strickland just went OFF on Khamzat Chimaev 😳
“You should not be allowed in this country. You [sold] your soul to a terrorist dictator. You are not compatible with America…
Sick of the UFC forgetting it’s an American company.”#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/ny4in6ENRq
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 8, 2024
After moving to Sweden in 2013 as a refugee, Chimaev started his fighting career there. However, he eventually chose to embrace his Chechen heritage. Some believe his close relationship with Kadyrov affected the decision. Meanwhile, others regard it as a personal identity transformation. It seems like all this history has been disturbing Strickland. As a result, the American fighter finally chose to speak out.
The intense rivalry between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev’s rivalry escalated as a result of verbal exchanges while training at Xtreme Couture gym. Strickland has frequently dismissed Chimaev’s superiority. The American star stated Chimaev hadn’t fought top-tier competition, hinting at various sparring incidents. As expected, Chimaev refuted these claims and shared an opposite story.
Following Strickland’s win at UFC 293, Chimaev challenged him to a middleweight title battle. Social media disputes between the fighters, in which they mocked one other, further heightened the tension. In the latest rant, Strickland also made sure to mock Chimaev for his crypto scam controversy.
Sean Strickland reacts to Khamzat Chimaev’s SMASH meme coin incident 😳
“Crazy man you’re rich and still try to scam your fans…
That was 100 percent to scam his fans. How do I know this? I was just approached to do this same thing… integrity you either have it or you… pic.twitter.com/xMJv2Pb8F8
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 9, 2024
Dana White is well aware of this bad blood and might have thought about a clash between these two outspoken individuals. Strickland aims to regain his title, while Chimaev is scheduled to fight Robert Whittaker. If everything goes right, fans can definitely get to see one of the nastiest rivalries in recent times inside the octagon.
