Strickland Predicts Chimaev Will Sit Out a Year After Next Fight

UFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland doesn't expect to face champion Khamzat Chimaev anytime soon.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 7:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland believes current champion Khamzat Chimaev will be sidelined for over a year after his next title defense. Strickland, who is set to face Anthony Hernandez in the UFC Fight Night 267 main event, thinks Chimaev will defeat his next challenger, Nassourdine Imavov, but will then suffer an injury that will keep him out of action for an extended period.

Why it matters

Strickland's comments highlight the frustration among top UFC middleweights with Chimaev's inactivity and injury history. As the champion, Chimaev's availability is crucial for the division to move forward, and Strickland's prediction of a lengthy layoff could further stall the title picture.

The details

Strickland believes that if Chimaev defeats Imavov, he will "just dry hump him for 25 minutes" and end up "spraining his ovaries," leading to another lengthy absence. Chimaev has only competed once per year since 2022 due to various injuries and illnesses.

  • Strickland is set to face Anthony Hernandez in the UFC Fight Night 267 main event on February 18, 2026.
  • Chimaev claimed the UFC middleweight title by defeating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August 2025.

The players

Sean Strickland

A former UFC middleweight champion who is currently ranked as a top contender in the division.

Khamzat Chimaev

The current UFC middleweight champion, known for his dominant performances but also his history of injuries and inactivity.

Nassourdine Imavov

A rising UFC middleweight contender who is on a five-fight winning streak and could be next in line to challenge Chimaev for the title.

Anthony Hernandez

Strickland's upcoming opponent in the UFC Fight Night 267 main event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's hard now. Chimaev's got the belt. Say he fights Nassourdine after Ramadan. He's probably going to beat Nassourdine. He's probably going to take him down and just dry hump him for 25 minutes. In the process, he's going to sprain his ovaries, and the next thing you know Chimaev is going to be on the bench for another year and a half.”

— Sean Strickland, UFC Middleweight Contender

What’s next

If Chimaev defeats Imavov, he will likely be sidelined for an extended period due to injury, further delaying the middleweight title picture.

The takeaway

Strickland's comments highlight the frustration among top UFC middleweights with Chimaev's inactivity and injury history, which has stalled the division's progress. As the champion, Chimaev's availability is crucial, and his potential lengthy absence could lead to further uncertainty in the title race.