Behind those closed gym doors, future champions clash in practice sessions that rarely see the light of day. Now, Khamzat Chimaev has pulled back the curtain on his previous training encounters with former middleweight champion Sean Strickland. And the details are spicy. This revelation comes after ‘Tarzan’ took to social media to berate the undefeated Chechen fighter.
In a recent interview with Michael Bisping, Chimaev revealed what really went down when he and Strickland shared the mats in Sweden. According to the undefeated Chechen warrior, he managed to tap out Strickland multiple times during their sessions.
“Yeah, we sparred with him and trained with the guy. I don’t know. He’s been good when we’ve been in the gym, when I go back to Sweden he starts to tweet and do some things. He didn’t like when I said that I tapped him out [in training]..chokes, and many other things. He’s good, he trains good, he’s a good fighter you know? Tough guy, tough dude. But, what I said are the things everyone see in the gym. Just ask his coach.”
Khamzat Chimaev prepares for his UFC 308 showdown with Robert Whittaker. According to the Chechen, Strickland apparently played nice during the actual training sessions, only to unleash his notorious social media fury once Chimaev returned to Sweden.
While Strickland prepares for his rematch with current champion Dricus du Plessis, Chimaev could be positioning himself for a title shot with a win over Whittaker. And if the training room stories are any indication, he’s got more than enough confidence to spare.
Sean Strickland Goes Ballistic On Khamzat Chimaev For Leaving Sweden
The UFC middleweight division has never been short on drama, but Sean Strickland recently cranked up the heat. The former champion, known for his unfiltered opinions and controversial takes, unleashed a scathing attack on Chimaev. This time, ‘Tarzan’s’ target wasn’t just Chimaev’s fighting abilities but his entire life choices and geographical relocations.
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Strickland took to Instagram to call out Chimaev’s decision to leave Sweden for the Middle East. The two have been building up a rivalry for some time now. Strickland, who is coming off his June victory over Paulo Costa, clearly decided that sitting quietly wasn’t on his to-do list.
“I love how the world just over looks this guy’s past… Builds a life in Sweden, goes and becomes best friends with an absolute monster who pretty much bought him like a W… then when the leash got too tight he fled to the Middle East… You should not be allowed in this country.”
The outspoken fighter suggested that Khamzat Chimaev’s relocation was more about necessity than choice. Both these fighters are in the top echelons of the middleweight division, and there is a fair chance that they will share the cage. It remains to be seen whether that happens sooner than later!
Also Read: Everyone Is Saying The Same Thing About Khamzat Chiamev’s Latest Shot At Alex Pereira
