Imagine being one victory away from an unblemished 10-0 record in the UFC—a feat that screams dominance. That’s exactly where Khamzat Chimaev stands today. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many believe he’s unstoppable, a former UFC middleweight champion has just revealed who might be his toughest test yet. Could this be the fight that finally cracks Chimaev’s undefeated streak? Let’s dive in.
Chimaev’s rise to the top has been nothing short of spectacular. After dethroning Dricus du Plessis in a decisive victory at UFC 319’s main event last August, he cemented his place as the undisputed middleweight champion. His relentless wrestling and grappling skills have left opponents scrambling, making it nearly impossible to predict who could halt his momentum. With wins over legends like Kamaru Usman, Robert Whittaker, and Gilbert Burns, Chimaev’s résumé reads like a who’s who of MMA greatness. But here’s the twist: while most eyes are on No. 1 contender Nassourdine Imavov as the potential spoiler, a former champion insists it’s someone else entirely—someone with a unique edge.
And this is the part most people miss: Luke Rockhold, the former UFC and Strikeforce middleweight champion, believes Sean Strickland could be Chimaev’s most formidable challenge. Stylistically, Strickland’s approach might just be the wrench in Chimaev’s otherwise well-oiled machine. Rockhold, who once trained for a fight against Strickland before it fell through in 2021, knows firsthand how tricky Strickland can be. Despite Strickland’s recent setbacks—losing two of his last three fights, including a title rematch against du Plessis at UFC 312—Rockhold argues, ‘Strickland should win a fight, but he’s probably the toughest test for [Chimaev].’
Why? Strickland’s ability to escape from the ground is annoyingly effective, and as Rockhold puts it, ‘You cannot stay [on the ground] with Khamzat.’ If Chimaev can’t keep Strickland grounded, the fight could shift in unexpected ways. Adding fuel to the fire, Strickland and Chimaev were once training partners, which could introduce a psychological layer to their matchup. Is this a bold prediction or a blind spot in Chimaev’s armor?
Meanwhile, Rockhold’s own career hangs in the balance. After suffering his seventh knockout loss—a brutal third-round KO against Darren Till at Misfits 22 in August—he’s leaning toward retirement. Interestingly, Rockhold almost didn’t step into the ring with Till due to last-minute glove disputes, which nearly saw the fight canceled. Yet, he pressed on, only to face another devastating defeat.
So, here’s the burning question: Can Sean Strickland be the one to finally unravel Khamzat Chimaev’s dominance? Or is this just wishful thinking from a retired champion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
