Sean Strickland, the former UFC middleweight champion, was on the verge of a high-stakes clash with rising star Khamzat Chimaev. However, logistical challenges prevented this exciting matchup from materializing. Let’s dive into the details.
Sean “Tarzan” Strickland, fresh off his title victory against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, was presented with an intriguing opportunity. The UFC had plans to host a major event in Saudi Arabia, and they wanted Strickland to headline the card against Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev. The prospect of two fierce competitors going toe-to-toe in the Middle East captured fans’ imaginations.
Unfortunately, there was a catch. Strickland’s coach, Eric Nicksick, revealed that travel restrictions posed a challenge for his fighter. Strickland couldn’t make the journey to Saudi Arabia, which ultimately led to the fight falling through. Nicksick explained, “I know they [UFC] were hoping for maybe Khamzat, but I don’t think Sean can travel to Saudi Arabia or something; I’m not 100% sure. But I know Khamzat’s name was possibly kicked around.”
🚨 Sean Strickland’s coach Eric Nicksick says that the UFC were hoping to book Khamzat Chimaev vs Sean Strickland in Saudi Arabia, but says Sean couldn’t travel to Saudi Arabia.
(via. @sportskeedaMMA) #UFCSaudiArabia #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/x9yNDBPKxJ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 7, 2024
The Rematch Talks
Interestingly, Dricus Du Plessis, who defeated Sean Strickland for the title at UFC 297, expressed interest in a rematch. Nicksick shared, “I talked to Dricus. Dricus is a class act, man. I really enjoyed having a conversation with them, and we discussed the fight. They said that they were asking for a rematch for Sean, and they were trying to get the rematch.”
Had the stars aligned, fight fans would have witnessed a clash of styles between Strickland’s technical prowess and Chimaev’s relentless aggression. While the Saudi Arabia event didn’t materialize, both fighters continued their respective journeys in the UFC.
Sean Strickland vs. Costa: The Next Chapter
Now, Sean Strickland faces another formidable opponent: Paulo Costa. The co-main event of UFC 302 promises fireworks, with Strickland aiming to prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division. Nicksick predicts a finish in the later rounds, favoring “Tarzan.”
As the MMA world eagerly awaits Strickland’s next move, the missed opportunity against Chimaev remains a tantalizing “what if.” Perhaps fate will bring these two warriors together in the future, under different circumstances.
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