Stirling Calls Out Chimaev As 'One Trick Pony'

Navajo Stirling wants Khamzat Chimaev to move up to light heavyweight so he can expose the former middleweight champion as a limited fighter.

Stirling told Full Send MMA that Chimaev lacks the well-rounded skill set needed at the top of the sport. "I think he's a bit of a one-trick pony," Stirling said, per Sherdog. "I would love to fight him. I want to test my theory against someone like that."

Chimaev's Strickland Loss Revealed Flaws

Chimaev entered his first title defense at UFC 328 in May undefeated and heavily favored against Sean Strickland. He gassed badly after a failed second-round takedown and stopped wrestling entirely. Strickland controlled the striking exchanges the rest of the way and won a split decision.

UFC CEO Dana White said after the fight that Chimaev had discussed jumping to 205 pounds. Chimaev has instead called repeatedly for a Strickland rematch. Stirling, who has won all five of his UFC fights since debuting in 2024 with two finishes, meets Jan Blachowicz on short notice at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Navajo Stirling wants to fight ‘one trick pony’ Khamzat Chimaev