Luke Rockhold Touts Sean Strickland as Khamzat Chimaev’s Toughest Test
Rockhold points to Strickland’s knack for standing back up as the trait most likely to disrupt Chimaev’s ground control.
Overview
- Speaking on the Jaxxon Podcast, the former UFC and Strikeforce champion called Strickland “annoyingly hard to hold down” and noted their past work as training partners.
- Rockhold said the matchup hinges on whether the champion can keep Strickland grounded, framing stand-ups as the key stylistic pressure point.
- Chimaev remains an undefeated middleweight titleholder after a decision over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, with prior wins over Kamaru Usman, Robert Whittaker, and Gilbert Burns.
- Strickland is ranked No. 3 at 185 pounds and has lost two of his past three, including a rematch title defeat to du Plessis at UFC 312.
- Strickland has publicly campaigned to face Chimaev and has floated Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez as a next bout to strengthen his case, with no title fight announced.