Strickland eyes belt but Chimaev remains dismissive
The bout was seen as a possible title eliminator, with Strickland having some choice words for middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev prior to the fight.
“That’d be a big fight,” he said.
“I think I’m probably the only one that could beat Chimaev.
“I honestly think Fluffy [Anthony Hernandez] is a better wrestler than Chimaev.”
Chimaev, however, may vacate his middleweight title and move up to light heavyweight.
The champ has previously added fuel to those rumours by tweeting out “205” – hinting at a division change.
Now, after Strickland’s win, Chimaev has taken to X to downplay the idea of fighting him.
“Habibi calm down. I destroyed the guy who beat you twice, American b*tch,” Chimaev posted.
If the 31-year-old does depart, a clash for the vacant title could see Strickland take on Nassourdine Imavov.
Imavov is on a five-fight winning streak, with his last loss being to Strickland.
Either way, it seems almost certain that Strickland’s next fight will involve the belt.
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