Sean Strickland never backs down from daring claims, and his latest statement may be his most controversial yet. The previous UFC middleweight champion has declared himself the only fighter within the 185-pound division able to defeating the surging Khamzat Chimaev.
Sean Strickland says he’s the one fighter at middleweight who could beat Khamzat 😳
“That’d be a giant fight. I believe I’m probably the just one that would beat Chimaev.
I truthfully think Fluffy is a greater wrestler than Chimaev.” pic.twitter.com/OCICZWrMQt
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) February 13, 2026
“That’d be a giant fight. I believe I’m probably the just one that would beat Chimaev,” Strickland stated together with his trademark bluntness, dismissing the whole middleweight roster in a single fell swoop.
But Strickland didn’t stop there. In a surprising twist, he suggested that fellow middleweight contender “Fluffy” Hernandez possesses superior wrestling credentials in comparison with Chimaev, long considered certainly one of the division’s most dominant grapplers.
“I truthfully think Fluffy is a greater wrestler than Chimaev,” Strickland added, difficult the narrative that has followed the Chechen-born fighter throughout his UFC profession.
Day 4 with no UFC 😞
So here’s Fluffy Hernandez dragging Roman Dolidze across the octagon attempting to pop his head off 😩 absolutely mad that this hasn’t been nominated for Submission of the Yr 😭 pic.twitter.com/bcOl6PVxEc— RedWolf🐺 (@RedWolfMMA) December 17, 2025
This potential clash represents an interesting stylistic puzzle. Strickland’s volume striking and granite chin have proven effective against elite competition, including his shocking upset over Israel Adesanya. His relentless forward pressure and cardio could theoretically neutralize Chimaev’s explosive wrestling-based attacks over five rounds.
Chimaev, meanwhile, has demolished nearly every opponent placed in front of him, combining suffocating wrestling with improving striking. His recent performances have cemented his status as a legitimate title threat, though questions on his cardio in prolonged fights remain unanswered.
Strickland’s confidence is not entirely unfounded. His defensive wrestling has improved dramatically, and his ability to take care of output over championship distance could exploit potential weaknesses in Chimaev’s game. The previous champion’s iron will and refusal to be broken mentally may be exactly what’s needed against an intimidating force like Chimaev.
Nonetheless, dismissing the whole division raises eyebrows. Current champion Dricus Du Plessis, Robert Whittaker, and other top contenders have proven themselves against world-class competition. Strickland’s claim positions him as either supremely confident or delightfully delusional — perhaps each.
The UFC matchmakers are undoubtedly being attentive. A Strickland-Chimaev bout would generate significant interest and answer crucial questions on each fighters’ championship trajectories. With Chimaev eyeing a title shot and Strickland trying to reclaim his throne if he’s in a position to get through Anthony Hernandez next weekend, this matchup is smart on multiple levels.
Whether Strickland can back up his words stays to be seen, but one thing is for certain: he’s never afraid to color a goal on his back. In a division lacking clear contenders, his willingness to face the boogeyman may be exactly what fans — and the UFC — need.