MMA news: Champion Khamzat Chimaev reacts to Sean Strickland KO win over Anthony Hernandez

Sean Strickland beat Anthony Hernandez by third-round TKO at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on Saturday.

The result was only Strickland’s fifth TKO/KO in 24 UFC fights, meaning he has just a 21% TKO/KO rate.

A knee from Strickland to the mid-section of Hernandez started the beginning of the end, and the American was able to open up and start throwing both hands to the head, which eventually stopped the fight.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Samuel Faris-Clark rounds up the reaction to the fight.

Strickland eyes belt but Chimaev remains dismissive

The bout was seen as a possible title eliminator, with Strickland having some choice words for middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev prior to the fight.

“That’d be a big fight,” he said.

“I think I’m probably the only one that could beat Chimaev.

“I honestly think Fluffy [Anthony Hernandez] is a better wrestler than Chimaev.”

Chimaev, however, may vacate his middleweight title and move up to light heavyweight.

The champ has previously added fuel to those rumours by tweeting out “205” – hinting at a division change.

Now, after Strickland’s win, Chimaev has taken to X to downplay the idea of fighting him.

“Habibi calm down. I destroyed the guy who beat you twice, American b*tch,” Chimaev posted.

If the 31-year-old does depart, a clash for the vacant title could see Strickland take on Nassourdine Imavov.

Imavov is on a five-fight winning streak, with his last loss being to Strickland.

Either way, it seems almost certain that Strickland’s next fight will involve the belt.

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