In the UFC, few names embody raw and unfiltered energy quite like Sean Strickland. The former champ has built a reputation for being unapologetically outspoken, often stirring controversy with his blunt takes. His no-filter approach has led to clashes with several fighters, from Belal Muhammad to Dricus Du Plessis. Now, he’s reigniting his rivalry with Khamzat Chimaev, a fighter he’s already exchanged heated words with in the past.
Sean Strickland didn’t hold back at the UFC 312 media day, taking personal shots at Khamzat Chimaev. He called out ‘Borz’ for his ties to Chechnya’s leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, who faces U.S. sanctions for human rights violations. Strickland claimed Chimaev fled Chechnya due to its oppressive regime but later returned for lavish gifts, mocking him for accepting a G-Wagon. Despite past visa issues, Dana White assured that Chimaev’s move to the UAE would clear any hurdles for future U.S. fights.
Khamzat Chimaev didn’t waste time clapping back at Sean Strickland, posting an old picture of him with long hair and taking personal jabs. He mocked Strickland’s troubled past with his father, bringing up his childhood trauma and questioning why he always acts out. “Why are you baby crying all the time?” Chimaev wrote. “Father didn’t give you love, or he showed his love to you too much?” The feud just got even more personal.
why are you baby crying all the time ?
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) February 5, 2025
father didn't give you love or he showed his love to you too much 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/JI2yIOvo5S
Indeed, after UFC 312, all eyes will be on whether the rivalry between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev turns into an actual fight. If Strickland regains the belt, a title bout between the two would add even more intensity to their heated back-and-forth. Given their history of trash talk, a showdown inside the Octagon could be one of the most explosive matchups in the division.
Daniel Cormier Wants To Live Like Sean Strickland
Cormier acknowledged Strickland’s unfiltered nature, noting that most people can’t speak as freely without facing backlash. Strickland has built a persona around controversial takes, often bordering on bigotry, but Cormier believes he’s more calculated than he appears. As per DC, unlike Bryce Mitchell, Strickland knows how to push boundaries without forcing Dana White to intervene.
While speaking with Chael Sonnen, Cormier admitted he finds Strickland entertaining and wishes he could be as unfiltered, though he recognizes the risks that come with it. In his words, “I wish that I could live like that. Most can’t live and just say anything that they want, it will backfire on you.”
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Speaking freely takes courage, but Strickland often takes it too far. He uses his freedom of speech to the fullest, sometimes causing controversy with his statements.
Also Read: Sean Strickland Pushes For Stand-Up Showdown With Dricus Du Plessis At UFC 312
