Overview
- Strickland accused Chimaev of stalling the middleweight division and repeatedly citing “mysterious” injuries that delay fights, saying the belt has lost appeal under a rarely active champion.
- He asserted he is “probably the only one” who could beat Chimaev and even suggested upcoming opponent Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez is a stronger wrestler over five rounds.
- Strickland headlines UFC Fight Night 267 on Feb. 21 against Hernandez in Houston, marking his first bout since a six-month suspension and a 2025 loss to Dricus du Plessis.
- Chimaev won the title in August 2025 and is recovering from foot surgery; he has signaled availability after Ramadan, pointing to a likely mid-2026 return with no first defense booked.
- Strickland said he plans to stay active for better earnings rather than wait for a title shot, as reports position Nassourdine Imavov as a leading contender whom Chimaev has been cool on facing.