Khamzat Chimaev hopes Sean Strickland loses first title defense: ‘All fighters are better than him’

Khamzat Chimaev still doesn’t rate Sean Strickland after sharing the Octagon with him.

It initially looked like Chimaev wasn’t interested in facing Strickland again due to his plans to move up to light heavyweight.

This changed in the days following his stunning upset loss despite Strickland ruling this option out when saying ‘Borz’ would need to earn his shot.

Now that it seems to be only a matter of time before it’s officially confirmed that the champion is set for a different rematch, the former titleholder has shared his thoughts on how this matchup will play out.

'Borz' failed to become welterweight champion and lost in his first middleweight title defense after difficulty making weight…

Khamzat Chimaev wasn’t surprised by rumors of Sean Strickland vs Nassourdine Imavov being the next middleweight title fight.

Like many, ‘Borz’ believes that the French contender has earned this opportunity due to the win streak he’s put together at 185 pounds.

Imavov hasn’t lost since being beaten by Strickland over five rounds in a short notice main event that took place at light heavyweight.

With Chimaev seemingly confirming that this fight is next, he then shared his thoughts on the matchup and revealed his preference for the outcome.

The former champion may still want to get revenge on Strickland, but doesn’t appear to mind whether this means reclaiming his belt in the process.

“It’s a tough fight. I hope that since their fight a couple of years ago Imavov has improved his striking and will outstrike him,” Chimaev told Adam Zubayraev. “He’s a very tough guy. If he [Strickland] outlasts Imavov, it’s going to be tough. If Imavov is feeling good cardio-wise, technically, I think Imavov is much better than him. All fighters are better than him.”

Many will be quick to point out that Khamzat Chimaev lost to Sean Strickland despite him claiming that all fighters are better than his American rival.

‘Borz’ elaborated on this during the video, saying that he couldn’t even envision not getting his hand raised when they fought earlier this year.

“I replayed the fight in my head a thousand times,” he said. “Before the fight, I couldn’t even imagine him beating me.”

Adam Zubayraev used soccer as an example of how unpredictable sport can be, saying that even a team like Manchester United can lose to a fifth-division side.

“In our sport, you definitely can’t predict it,” Chimaev replied. “In football, you concede a goal and still have time to come back and win. For us, you take one shot, by the time your legs come back to you, the fight is already over.”