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Sean Strickland Stops Anthony Hernandez, Reignites Push for Khamzat Chimaev Title Fight

Analysts say the Houston showing vaulted him to the front of the middleweight title queue, pending the UFC’s decision on Khamzat Chimaev’s first defense.

Overview

  • Strickland halted Hernandez at 2:33 of Round 3 with a knee to the body followed by unanswered punches, snapping Hernandez’s eight-fight winning streak.
  • The former champion immediately called for a shot at Chimaev and traded public barbs with the titleholder over past training-room encounters.
  • Daniel Cormier praised Strickland’s jab and body work and said this version could make a Chimaev fight much tougher, while questioning Strickland’s extended takedown defense.
  • Nassourdine Imavov pressed his case after the event, calling for a rematch with Strickland and a chance at the crown, as the UFC weighs its next title booking.
  • Elsewhere on the card, Uroš Medić knocked out Geoff Neal in 79 seconds and Melquizael Costa stopped Dan Ige with a spinning back kick and punches.