Strickland attacks Chimaev, exposes behind-the-scenes training in the past and says: 'Weak and cowardly'

Sean Strickland in a post-victory interview at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

The tension between Sean Strickland e Khamzat Shimaev reached a new level. Former UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), the American once again harshly criticized the Chechen. Without mincing words, the former champion accused his next rival of Dricus du Plessis of having a fragile personality and recalled the behind-the-scenes of old training sessions between the two.

"Chimaev is just a son of a bitch. I was there when he retired because of COVID. We were training together. There's a video of me saying, 'Oh, you're so good, you're better than everyone else' – obviously, I was being sarcastic," Strickland said in an interview with 'Red Corner'.

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During the conversation, the American criticized the way Chimaev chooses his training partners and accused him of making decisions based on fear.

"You can pick high-level guys in the UFC, but you pick a one-on-one fighter just because he's the same height as your opponent? No, man. You do that because you're a coward. Mentally, he's just a weak man," he added.

From friendship to rivalry

Despite the current animosity, Strickland and Chimaev once had a friendly relationship. They even trained together at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, and at the time, the American praised the Chechen's talent. However, starting in 2024—and even more so in the weeks leading up to the UFC 312, held in February 2025 – the relationship between the two has completely deteriorated.

Sean began using interviews, social media, and even press conferences to attack Khamzat. The main focus of his criticism was the Chechen's connection to Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen leader accused of human rights violations. The former champion accused Chimaev of 'selling his soul' for privileges and suggested that the fighter was trying to flee the country.

In an Instagram post, Strickland also mocked Chimaev's relationship with the US, insinuating that the Chechen doesn't fit in culturally with the country. The response was equally aggressive. The 'Wolf' mocked traumatic family memories shared by his rival in interviews, especially those involving his father.