Former middleweight champion Sean Strickland has criticized Khamzat Chimaev for considering a move to the 205-pound division. Strickland, who recently defeated Anthony Hernandez via TKO at UFC Houston, believes Chimaev is looking for an "easier fight" at light heavyweight after winning the middleweight title just once.
The outspoken Strickland shared UFC CEO Dana White's sentiment on the matter, telling Full Send MMA, "The guy is just a f*cking clown... You're moving up to fight an easier fight. The 205 division is soft as f*ck right now." Strickland also stated that Chimaev "doesn't deserve" a title shot at light heavyweight without defending his middleweight belt first.