Sean Strickland chokes beach challenger in playful grappling match

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was caught on camera submitting a fan with a rear-naked choke during an impromptu grappling match on a beach.

The incident, which occurred less than two months after Strickland claimed the 185-pound title, shows the champion taking down his opponent face-first into the sand before transitioning to back control and forcing a tap with a standing rear-naked choke, according to MMA Fighting. The exchange appeared lighthearted, with both men engaging in the playful contest willingly.

Chimaev calls for Strickland title defense

While Strickland enjoys time outside the cage, his first title defense remains unbooked. Khamzat Chimaev, who recently fought Strickland to a split decision, has been pushing for a rematch on social media.

"Accept the fight, don't run, I'll beat you anyway," Chimaev wrote Monday. "The sooner this happens, the easier it will be to breathe."

The UFC has not announced Strickland's next opponent or a timeline for his first middleweight title defense.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Watch UFC champion Sean Strickland choke fan on a beach | MMA Fighting