Strickland Questions Chimaev's Championship Viability Ahead of UFC Houston

Sean Strickland aims to re-enter the UFC middleweight title contention by defeating Anthony Hernandez in the main event of UFC Houston on February 21. However, he has expressed reservations about the business viability of being designated as the next challenger for champion Khamzat Chimaev.

Strickland has voiced concerns regarding the financial practicality of a title shot against Khamzat Chimaev, citing the champion's infrequent activity.

Criticism of Champion's Activity

Speaking ahead of his first fight since losing the UFC title to Dricus Du Plessis in February 2025, Strickland criticized Chimaev's activity level as a champion. He noted that Chimaev fights infrequently, approximately once a year, and suggested that Chimaev's financial situation, potentially including external support, reduces his incentive to compete regularly.

Chimaev's Title Reign and UFC Record

Chimaev secured the middleweight title in August 2025 by defeating Du Plessis and has not yet scheduled his first title defense. Since joining the UFC in 2020, Chimaev has competed six times over five years, despite an initial rapid succession of three wins within two months.

Financial Incentives and Inactivity Concerns

Strickland also commented on Chimaev's reported disinclination to face Dagestani middleweight Nassourdine Imavov. He argued that the prolonged inactivity caused by waiting for Chimaev to fight makes a title shot less appealing from a financial perspective for other fighters.

Strickland indicated that he believes he could earn significantly more money by continuing to fight top contenders rather than waiting potentially a year and a half for a championship bout. He alluded to Chimaev's history of what he termed "mysterious injuries" causing delays.

Strickland's Outlook: Hernandez and Chimaev

Strickland concluded by stating he considers his upcoming opponent, Anthony Hernandez, to be a superior wrestler compared to Chimaev, and he sees himself as capable of inflicting Chimaev's first MMA loss.