Team Fighting Nerds’ Caio Borralho recently gave his two cents on a potential Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland bout.
Borralho believes Strickland would fare better against the UFC middleweight champion than many assume, especially compared to Nassourdine Imavov.
“Tarzaz” most recently stopped Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston in Round 3 by TKO and put his name back in the mix for a title shot, and recent rumors suggest that he can be fighting Chimaev next.
Although the Chechen-born Emirati was previously rumored to face the No. 2-ranked contender Imavov, who is riding a five-fight win streak, it now appears “The Sniper” may have to wait a little longer for his shot at the undisputed UFC 185-pound championship, as “Borz” claims he’s waiting for Strickland next:
“No I waiting for strikiland”
Caio Borralho thinks Sean Strickland has a good chance of dethroning Khamzat Chimaev
Despite Nassourdine Imavov’s current form and even though he defeated Caio Borralho last year, “The Natural” believes Imavov wouldn’t be a tougher fight for Khamzat Chimaev. Borralho believes Strickland has better takedown defense, can make Chimaev a “little bit more tired,” and drag him to the deep waters.
In an interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, he said:
I think so [Sean Strickland has a better chance of beating Khamzat Chimaev than Nassourdine Imavov]. I think Imavov is the better striker, I could say faster and all that. I felt that. I already fought with one of them and trained with the other, different styles. But I think Imavov wouldn’t do so good with Khamzat’s wrestling, you know, as the way that I think Strickland could go. I don’t know if Strickland could really like wrestle with Khamzat, but I think he could defend a little bit more and make Khamzat a little bit more tired and all that, but we all know that Khamzat’s wrestling is on another level. So, I think your question was if I think he would do better than Imavov. I think so.”
Check out Caio Borralho’s comments about Sean Strickland below:
Sean Strickland can pose a threat to Khamzat Chimaev with his jab and constant forward pressure. But if “Borz” manages to get the fight to the ground, Strickland could share the same fate as Dricus du Plessis.
Strickland’s clearest path to victory would be to keep the fight standing, piece up Chimaev’s legs, and make it difficult for the champion to shoot effectively for takedowns.
If the American can drag the fight into deep waters, that’s where Strickland’s cardio and striking could take over and potentially give him the best shot to snatch Chimaev’s undefeated record and UFC middleweight crown.
