Former UFC fighter and analyst Chael Sonnen has shared his opinion on the ongoing debate surrounding the middleweight title picture. Sonnen believes Sean Strickland, not Khamzat Chimaev, should be next in line for a title shot.
Speaking with Helen Yee, Sonnen emphasized that Strickland’s efforts and dedication make him the most deserving challenger.
“Yes, what I want for Khamzat Chimaev is to see him fight Bo Nickal. Not for the title—he’ll get to the title eventually. But that’s Sean Strickland’s. That’s Sean Strickland’s opportunity. He’s been promised that; he earned that,” Sonnen stated.
Strickland’s Courage Praised
Sonnen highlighted how Sean Strickland has consistently shown bravery by taking on the toughest opponents in the division, including his willingness to face Khamzat Chimaev. Despite the challenge Chimaev presents, Strickland has remained undeterred.
Sonnen explained, “Sean was willing to put the very title up against Chimaev. Sean went to training thinking he was gonna fight Chimaev, and he didn’t blink at all.”
The UFC veteran added, “There’s one guy that had the balls to go through Chimaev to get to a title, and that was Kamaru Usman, who didn’t get credit for it, and he should have.”
The Current Title Picture
The UFC middleweight division is filled with high-level contenders. Champion Dricus du Plessis has already beaten Strickland and defended his belt against former champion Israel Adesanya. Strickland rebounded with a five-round decision win over Paulo Costa.
Meanwhile, Chimaev is riding a perfect 14-0 record, with his latest win being a dominant submission victory over former champion Robert Whittaker.
Chimaev has also impressed fans beyond MMA. Recently, he submitted UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan in a grappling match.
Sonnen reacted to their grappling exchange positively, saying, “I loved it. Khamzat choked him out there… I wish I would have seen 20 minutes of them wrestling, not just that one guillotine. I loved it.”
Decision Sparks Debate
While the UFC is yet to announce the next title challenger, Sonnen remains firm in his belief that Strickland should be rewarded for his hard work and readiness to face any adversary. “Sean wins that showdown—it’s his shot,” Sonnen concluded.
For now, both Strickland and Chimaev remain at the forefront of title talks, and fans eagerly await the UFC’s decision.
