Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC 308 win was torn to pieces by former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, who texted Chael Sonnen after the fight.
UFC 308’s main event saw Khamzat Chimaev dominate Robert Whittaker in the space of a single round. ‘Borz’ took Whittaker down with a double leg in the opening moments of the fight, before taking his back and submitting him.
The win was undoubtedly the biggest of Chimaev’s career and in the eyes of many, it set him up for a shot a the middleweight title.
Someone who does not share this view is Sean Strickland. Strickland took immediately to X after the fight to tell Chimaev that he was next in line for a title shot.
Known in part for his political tirades, Strickland doubled down on his dismay for Chimaev in a text message to none other than Chael Sonnen.
Chael Sonnen Receives a “Nasty” Text From Sean Strickland
Sonnen revealed in a recent episode of the Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast the texts he received from Strickland in the UFC 308 aftermath.
‘I’m next in line, it’s been said and it’s been written,’” Strickland messaged Sonnen. “‘After I beat Dricus [Du Plessis] up, Chimaev can step up. And to the point that Chimaev is a contender, I welcome that, but I have Dricus next.’
‘The man who scammed his fans, became friends with a dictator, and had to flee his homeland while staying on the run, needs to tighten his own leash up a little bit’.
‘Hey Chimaev – sit down and wait your turn.’ “That is from the former champion Sean Strickland and that was a quote.”
Strickland’s claim at a title shot comes from his win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 in June. The American beat Costa by split decision across 5 rounds.
The main criticism of Chimaev is rooted in his association with Chechnya’s dictator, Ramzan Kadyrov.
Kadyrov’s Bloodsport
Using his power as head of the Chechnyan Republic., Kadyrov has turned a once war-torn Chechnya into his own personal hunting-ground. One ruled through repressive policies that are both invasive and violent.
His actions have been condemned globally by governments and human rights organisations alike. While multiple sanctions have been placed upon both him as well as his accomplices by the U.S government.
Kadyrov’s involvement in the sport of MMA goes back nearly decades.
In 2015, former UFC champions Frank Mir, Fabricio Werdum and Chris Weidman were pictured hanging around with Kadyrov. Seemingly paid for their appearances by the warlord.
Since then Weidman has come out and rebuked connections to the dictator. Stating “I have no ties to him” when questioned by journalist Ariel Helwani in 2017.
Chimaev has trained extensively out of Chechnya at Kadyrov’s gym and has also sparred against his sons. The pair seemingly have a personal relationship that has been documented on social media.
The results of UFC 308 mean Chimaev has a strong argument for receiving the next title shot against Du Plessis. As it stands however, Strickland will be fighting to the end for his chance at a rematch.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
