Following Khamzat Chimaev’s commanding victory to secure the middleweight title at UFC 319, numerous fighters have called him out, but none as persistently as former champion Sean Strickland. Although currently sidelined by a six-month suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission due to a physical altercation in July 2025, Strickland has outlined a plan to reclaim his position and ultimately dethrone Chimaev.
Strickland’s suspension denies him any immediate opportunity to fight for the title, but he remains determined. On social media platform X, he shared his readiness to return to the cage and challenged Chimaev directly, hinting at anger management sessions as part of his path forward. These comments highlight Strickland’s intent to overcome obstacles and challenge the Chechen champion upon his return.
Sean Strickland Responds to Suspension and Targets Khamzat Chimaev
Sean Strickland, nicknamed ‘Tarzan,’ received a six-month suspension from the UFC after a physical altercation led to disciplinary action by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in July 2025. This pause stalls any immediate title fight ambitions, but Strickland remains vocal about his goal to unseat Khamzat Chimaev. In a recent post on X, he stated,
“Well! Ready to put this to bed and get back in the cage. Can’t have a terrorist as a champion, sadly, I think I’m the only one to change that. Appreciate the commission for getting this done. Anger management, here I come.”
—Sean Strickland via X
He also mentioned plans to take anger management classes, which could potentially reduce his suspension and expedite a return to competition. Strickland’s provocative choice of words reflects his fierce determination to regain his standing and confront Chimaev inside the octagon.
Background of the Strickland-Chimaev Relationship and Feud
The relationship between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev was once marked by friendship and mutual respect, as they trained together at the Xtreme Couture gym in Las Vegas. Over time, tension grew following Strickland’s public criticisms of Chimaev, specifically accusing the champion of associating with Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov and involvement in questionable cryptocurrency ventures aimed at fans.
The public dispute quickly escalated, leading to a series of verbal exchanges and online confrontations. While Strickland has at times praised Chimaev’s wrestling capabilities, he frequently undermines his ground game during their ongoing feud. This rivalry has become a prominent storyline in the UFC’s middleweight division, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown once Strickland’s suspension ends.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Take on Their Sparring Sessions and Rival Claims
Khamzat Chimaev, renowned for his exceptional grappling skills and physical strength, has never shied away from addressing Strickland’s challenges. The Chechen-born fighter is known for his intense training regimen and innovative tactics that dominate his opponents on the ground. Despite Strickland’s claim that he outperformed Chimaev during their sparring sessions, Chimaev firmly denies those assertions and provides his own account.
“He said he beat me in sparring, but there were a lot of guys around who saw me choking him and beating him up. It was even recorded on camera. So we have some unfinished business in the Octagon.”
—Khamzat Chimaev via Red Corner MMA
This statement not only dismisses Strickland’s claims but also revives anticipation for an official bout between the two fighters. The sparring dispute has intensified the public’s interest and speculation about whether their rivalry will transition from online disputes to a formal UFC fight.
What Lies Ahead for Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev?
As Sean Strickland serves his suspension, fans and analysts alike are closely watching his next steps, particularly his strategy to prepare for a title fight against Khamzat Chimaev. The former champion’s willingness to address his disciplinary issues, including attending anger management sessions, signals a commitment to returning stronger and more focused.
For Chimaev, maintaining his dominant reign involves not only training rigorously but also navigating the increasing pressure from contenders like Strickland. Their personal history, combined with this escalating rivalry, adds depth to their potential clash. Should Strickland overcome his suspension and secure a fight, the middleweight division could see one of its most compelling contests yet.
The outcome of this rivalry could reshape the UFC middleweight landscape as Strickland aims to reclaim championship glory and dethrone Chimaev, whose wrestling prowess and ground control have kept him at the top. Fans can expect intense competition once these two fighters meet again inside the octagon, turning their verbal battles into a decisive, physical contest.