Sean Strickland’s coach Eric Nicksick has given his thoughts on their potential gameplan for a fight against Khamzat Chimaev.
As we know, Sean Strickland is riding high in the wake of his triumph over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston. In the eyes of many, this sets us up for a title fight between him and Khamzat Chimaev – but given the presence of Nassourdine Imavov as another possible contender, that may not end up being the case.
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Sean Strickland is the kind of fighter who will take on just about anyone, and there’s certainly a story brewing between him and Chimaev, whereas with Imavov, there isn’t as much of a built-in tension.
In a recent interview, Eric Nicksick gave his thoughts on the possibility of Strickland facing Chimaev and how that contest could play out.
Strickland’s coach on possible Chimaev fight
“We’re going to have our work cut out for us, and we know that,” Nicksick told Submission Radio. “If we can shut some of that stuff down and make him doubt on any of these routes that he’s on, especially when it comes to the ground game, he’s very systematic.
“If we can disrupt some of the chain wrestling that he puts together and make him restart and put some doubt in his mind, that’s where we have to be successful – if and when you defend those takedowns, making him pay for it. Telling him, ‘Hey, if you’re going to come in here, you’re going to have to pay a price for that.’”
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Do you believe Sean stands a good chance of defeating Khamzat Chimaev if their rumored title fight happens? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!