Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev (Photo by Imagn Images)

UFC Veteran Doubts Khamzat Chimaev’s Finishing Power Against Sean Strickland, Predicts Grueling Fight Instead

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 4:55 AM ET

There’s a lot of talk going on about Khamzat Chimaev’s first title defense against Sean Strickland. A lot of people believe Strickland is going to be a tough challenge, and talking about that, UFC veteran Chael Sonnen said the middleweight champ will struggle against Strickland.

Sonnen believes it won’t be easy for the Chechen fighter to finish the former middleweight champ quickly. He pointed out that Strickland’s style is built for long, grinding fights where he can stay durable and keep going. In a recent interview with Mike Bohn, the UFC veteran said:

“If Khamzat got Strickland out of there quickly, that would surprise me. Strickland is made for long, hard-distance matches.”

Chael Sonnen says he’d be surprised if Khamzat finishes Sean Strickland

"If Khamzat got Strickland out of there quickly, that would surprise me. Strickland is made for long, hard-distance matches."

(Via @MikeBohn ) pic.twitter.com/zspLTa1VIL
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 1, 2026

Sonnen feels even if the 31-year-old wins, it’s more likely to be a tough, drawn-out battle rather than a fast finish. But not everyone is predicting the fight the same. Additionally, Colby Covington believes the fight is going to be one-sided and ‘Borz’ will dominate the whole fight.

Colby Covington Says Khamzat Chimaev Will Dominate Against Sean Strickland

UFC Star Colby Covington believes Khamzat Chimaev has the ability to dominate Sean Strickland without much trouble. Meanwhile, Covington’s take is simple, Chimaev’s wrestling is on another level, and once he gets the 35-year-old to the ground, it could get ugly. In a video with N3on, ‘Chaos’ said:

“Not really [the fight doesn’t make sense]. Strickland’s gonna get taken down and beat up – it’s gonna be bad. Khamzat’s gonna beat him up pretty good.”

Colby Covington believes Khamzat Chimaev would easily beat Sean Strickland

“Not really [the fight doesn’t make sense]. Strickland’s gonna get taken down and beat up – it’s gonna be bad. Khamzat’s gonna beat him up pretty good.”

(Via @N3onOnYT ) pic.twitter.com/WfcBCZiBRV
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 18, 2026

A lot of people believe the former middleweight champ’s trash talk is something that will play a key role in this fight. But fans have already seen how dominating Chimaev is in a title fight. However, fans will wait to see what a different ‘Tarzan’ will bring to this fight.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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