Khamzat Chimaev just wants to fight for the middleweight title next, no matter the opponent.
Chimaev showed off his elite skills with a dominant first-round submission victory over former champion Robert Whittaker in the co-main event of UFC 308 on Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. All doubts about the set were dispelled.
The undefeated Chechen-born Swede made a legitimate claim to the title with a bonus-winning performance in a bout that was touted as a potential title fight. However, standing in his way is Sean Strickland, who is determined to fight for the next title.
Strickland lost the strap to Doricus du Plessis in a controversial split decision at UFC 297 in January, but bounced back with a split decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 in June. Dana White previously promised Strickland his next shot, but said he needed time to think after Chimaev’s win over “Bobby Knuckles.” Meanwhile, Strickland was quick to remind everyone immediately after UFC 308 that he was confirmed as a title contender. The former champion insisted Chimaev will have to wait until early next year to rematch ‘Stillnox’ for the title.
“Understand one thing…I’m next in line…It’s been said and written…that I was in January or February. [Dricus Du Plessis]
Mr. Strickland told I guess,” he wrote. ”
Understand one thing…. I’m next in line…. It’s been said and written… Me in January or February @dricusduplessis
I am scrapping
Go back to Chechnya and wait a few months….wait…sorry UAE…you can’t enter Chechnya…but while you wait there will be crypto fraud
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA)
October 26, 2024
Meanwhile, ‘Bolts’ only wants to fight for the title next and will wait for his opportunity. Chimaev won’t choose his next opponent as long as he can win the gold medal.
“I don’t care. I’ll wait for the shot,” Chimaev said. Post-match media scrum. “It doesn’t matter to me, Sean.
[Strickland]Dorikasu [du Plessis]Izzy [Israel
Adesanya]it doesn’t matter. Please give me the money and belt. I’m fighting for the money and the belt. ”
Chimaev was originally scheduled to face Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia in June, but was forced to withdraw due to a serious illness. Chimaev’s health problems have often been linked to training methods that border on overtraining. However, the camp changes leading up to UFC 308 appear to have shown significant progress for Chimaev in that regard.
