“You Might Have to Fight Your Friends”- Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland Set to Follow Dana White’s Golden Rule as UFC Champs Coach Lays It All

The Chechenyan warrior is a name that was given to Khamzat Chimaev. ‘Borz’ has earned his reputation in the UFC as a formidable fighter capable of taking on any opponent. His intimidating presence strikes fear into his adversaries, even before they step into the octagon. His recent victory over Kamaru Usman has paved the way for his journey toward the coveted middleweight title match against Sean Strickland.

Chimaev’s journey to glory must now lead him through his friend Sean Strickland, despite his injury. Chimaev appears to be diligently adhering to Dana White‘s plan as he continues to train for his upcoming bout against Strickland. In a recent interaction, Coach Eric Nicksick shared his candid thoughts on the upcoming match.

Eric Nicksick gave his honest opinion on Khamzat Chimaev

There are several speculations regarding the possible outcome of the Strickland-Chimaev clash and fans anticipate the match to hit diamond. The head coach, Eric Nicksick who once witnessed both Strickland and Chiamev training under the same roof stated that the match could go to any limits. While in conversation with MMAJunkie, Nicksick gave his honest opinion on the fight.

Nicksick stated  “I love Khamzat. He’s great, He’s a guy that, when he was in the gym, he worked so hard, and I thought he was a good teammate. He made the room better. Those guys had amazing rounds. Those two pushed one another.”

He further added  “Unfortunately this is the business: You might have to fight your friends down the line. I hope that these guys put on a good show and sell the fight well. At the end of the day, it’s not my decision. It’s the promotion’s decision.”

Chimaev fought in the UFC 294 defeating former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in the co-main event giving him a free pass to the title shot. UFC CEO Dana White had labeled the matchup as a title eliminator leading up to the event.  Nicksick down in the conversation emphasized the fate of the middleweight division.

Nicksick’s opinion on the fate of the middleweight division

The coach believes that the middleweight division is on the roll. He emphasized that with Israel Adesanya on hiatus and Dricus Du Plessis and Paulo Costa injured, there’s only one fight that makes sense and that’s Sean Strickland’s matchup with Khamzat Chimaev.

Nicksik stated “ I think you can make an argument for Dricus (Du Plessis). Obviously, Izzy (Israel Adesanya) is going to take some time off. You can make the argument that Khamzat should fight (Paulo) Costa after that last performance, or you throw him in there now, strike while the iron is hot, and not lose that ability to fight Sean. But I’m excited for Khamzat. I think he’s the guy that deserves that title fight. I’m looking forward to that matchup.” 

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