The UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland, has expressed discontent with the circumstances surrounding his upcoming challenger. Strickland, who secured the championship by defeating Israel Adesanya last month, has voiced his dissatisfaction regarding the co-main event matchup between Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev scheduled for UFC 294 this Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Continue reading to find out why he feels this way.
Strickland expressed his concerns about the upcoming fight between Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev. Strickland mentioned on his YouTube channel that Usman isn’t currently in a dedicated training camp, suggesting that he accepted the fight primarily for the financial incentive. On the other hand, Chimaev has been working hard to bulk up for the middleweight division and putting in the effort.
Strickland seemed to believe that the match doesn’t carry the same weight because Chimaev has been diligently preparing for it, while Usman’s motivation appears to be financial. In his view, the fight may have been arranged to fill a slot, and he was chosen to face Chimaev.
Kamaru Usman agreed to step in for an injured Paulo Costa on short notice, taking the fight against Khamzat Chimaev with less than two weeks’ preparation. This marks Usman’s move up a weight division, as he was previously a welterweight champion.
Sean Strickland favors Chimaev to win, but he pointed out that he would have leaned towards Usman if the circumstances were different. Strickland emphasized that Usman’s experience and skillset make him a strong choice at welterweight with an entire training camp and over five rounds. However, in a three-round bout with Usman coming in with limited preparation, Strickland gives the edge to Chimaev.
Regarding Paulo Costa’s withdrawal, Strickland hoped the UFC would release him from their roster. He cited Costa’s history of withdrawing from multiple fights, and he expressed intense frustration with Costa, suggesting that it’s time for the UFC to part ways with him.
Whatever Strickland’s take, what are your predictions for Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev? Comment below to let us know!
