Strickland Claims He's UFC's Best Shot at Chimaev's Title

Middleweight contender says his style gives him the best chance to dethrone the champion.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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UFC middleweight fighter Sean Strickland believes he is the only fighter capable of defeating current champion Khamzat Chimaev. Strickland criticized Chimaev's inactivity and lack of title defenses, arguing that his own wrestling and pacing abilities give him an advantage over Chimaev's style. Strickland's upcoming fight against Anthony Hernandez could impact the title picture, as Chimaev's next defense remains undecided.

Why it matters

The middleweight title picture has been in flux since Chimaev won the belt, with the champion's limited activity raising questions about the division's future. Strickland's bold claims and upcoming fight against Hernandez could shake up the title landscape and provide clarity on who is best positioned to challenge Chimaev's reign.

The details

In an interview with ESPN, Strickland analyzed the potential matchup with Chimaev, stating that he believes his wrestling and pacing abilities over five rounds give him a better chance at victory than Chimaev's upcoming opponent, Anthony Hernandez. Strickland also criticized Chimaev's lack of title defenses, arguing that the champion's inactivity has stagnated the middleweight division.

  • Strickland is scheduled to fight Anthony Hernandez on February 21, 2026.
  • Khamzat Chimaev won the UFC Middleweight Championship in August 2025.

The players

Sean Strickland

A UFC middleweight fighter who believes he is the only one capable of defeating current champion Khamzat Chimaev.

Khamzat Chimaev

The current UFC Middleweight Champion, who has faced criticism for his limited title defenses since winning the belt in 2025.

Anthony Hernandez

Strickland's upcoming opponent, whose fight could impact the middleweight title picture.

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What they’re saying

“That would be a big fight. I think I'm probably the only one that could beat Chimaev. I honestly think 'Fluffy's' a better wrestler than Chimaev. I think pace-wise, style-wise, I think over five rounds, 'Fluffy's' probably a better [wrestler]. But then stand-up, I think Chimaev might take him to a stand-up decision.”

— Sean Strickland, UFC Middleweight Fighter (ESPN)

“It's not how this [f*cking] sport works, dude. Don't be a [b*tch], go fight that guy. Now the middleweight division man, from a pure money perspective, you would make more money not fighting for the belt than you would fighting for the belt. Say Chimaev goes and fights Nassourdine in six months. Well, let's say Chimaev sprains his [f*cking] pinkie like he normally does, now he takes another year off. So it's like, you're off for two years where the belt isn't even in my brain anymore.”

— Sean Strickland, UFC Middleweight Fighter (ESPN)

What’s next

Strickland's upcoming fight against Anthony Hernandez on February 21, 2026 could have a significant impact on the middleweight title picture, as Khamzat Chimaev's next title defense remains undecided.

The takeaway

Strickland's bold claims about his ability to dethrone Chimaev, coupled with his criticism of the champion's inactivity, highlight the uncertainty surrounding the middleweight title and the potential for a shakeup in the division's hierarchy should Strickland emerge victorious in his upcoming fight.