A former UFC champion believes Sean Strickland does not deserve the next UFC middleweight title shot.
Strickland returned to winning ways earlier this year by stopping the surging Anthony Hernandez in Round 3 at UFC Houston. And now, the controversial American fighter is locked in to fight champion Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 328.
Previously, Nassourdine Imavov, the No. 2 185-pound contender, who is riding a five-fight win streak, was expected to meet “Borz.” However, Sean Strickland’s big win over the streaking Hernandez was enough to swiftly steal Imavov’s opportunity.
There has been discussion in the MMA community that since Strickland already beat Imavov, he deserves a title shot over “The Sniper.” Many also believe “Tarzan” could pose a tougher challenge for “Borz,” as the former appears to have superior cardio, takedown defense, and elite striking.
However, a former UFC champion believes Sean Strickland should not be fighting for the belt, but now that he is, “Tarzan” will be dismantled by “Borz” at UFC 328.
Belal Muhammad unloads on Sean Strickland
During a recent YouTube video, Belal Muhammad firstly gave his two cents on why Nassourdine Imavov should have fought for the middleweight title. He said:
“Sucks for Imavov. You have to feel for him. I thought he earned the title shot. I thought he was going to get the title shot.”
About Sean Strickland being granted a title shot because of his history and tense relationship with Chimaev, “Remember The Name” added:
I think the trash talk and the stupidity and the era we live in now, where Strickland talks his way into a title shot. And you know it’s going to get people wanting to talk. A lot of people are going to view, [especially with the back and forth].”
Lastly, Muhammad confessed that he would love to see Chimaev smash the American and believes Strickland will be easy game for “Borz.”
The thing I’m excited for is to see Chimaev smash him and walk through him. I think that’s what it’s gonna be. I think he’s going to be able to take him down and control him, and I’m hoping that he [Chimaev] can cut him open a little bit, make him bleed a little bit, and break him mentally and then [force a tap].”
Check out Belal Muhammad’s comments below:
Muhammad, on the other hand, is on a two-fight losing skid and will face Gabriel Bonfim in the main event of UFC Vegas 118 in June.
