Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has weighed in on a potential super-fight between two of the sport's most dominant forces. In a recent interview, the outspoken American expressed his firm belief that light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev would emerge victorious over undefeated middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev if they ever met in the octagon.
Strickland's assessment is rooted in firsthand experience. He described Ankalaev as a "damn worthy opponent" and one of the best light heavyweights he has ever shared the cage with during training. This high praise from a former champion carries significant weight in the MMA community, offering a unique insider perspective on the skill sets of both fighters.
The core of Strickland's argument centers on the weight class. He believes that in a hypothetical bout at 205 pounds, Ankalaev's size, power, and technical prowess would be too much for Chimaev to overcome. "Magomed will beat Chimaev any day of the week," Strickland stated, highlighting his confidence in the Russian fighter's ability to dominate the matchup.
Strickland also reflected on Ankalaev's recent championship history. He noted the fighter's caliber by pointing out that current champion Alex Pereira's victory over Ankalaev is what solidified Pereira's own legacy. "That's how you understand you deserve your place in the rankings and are a champion, because you beat Ankalaev," Strickland explained, underscoring the high level of competition at the top of the division.
This bold prediction comes at a particularly interesting time. Strickland himself is scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev next. Their bout is set for the UFC 328 event, where Strickland will challenge the undefeated champion who represents the UAE. The upcoming fight adds a layer of intrigue to Strickland's comments, as he prepares to test his own skills against the very man he believes Ankalaev could defeat.
The potential Ankalaev vs. Chimaev matchup remains a topic of fan speculation. While Chimaev has dominated the middleweight division, a move to light heavyweight to face a powerhouse like Ankalaev would be a monumental step. Strickland's endorsement of Ankalaev's chances fuels the debate about how the two champions would fare against each other in a different weight class.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.