It’s no secret that Sean Strickland ruffled some feathers of his fellow fighters in the build up of UFC Houston, and as a loaded event weekend comes to a close, some fighters hit social media following the Main Event.
Sean Strickland had a terrific performance to cap off an exciting night of fights, finishing #4 ranked Anthony Hernandez by TKO in the third round. Now with a title shot in sight, the American Middleweight wasted no time mincing words regarding his fellow fighters.
Tonight was no different regarding getting under the skin of #1 contender Nassourdine Imavov and current champion, Khamzat Chimaev. It’s seemingly a new favorite pastime for the controversial Sean Strickland, and with his exclamation of wanting “the Chechnyan whore,” we were bound to see some reaction to the former Champion’s victory.
My dream. Bring me tha clown for the crown @ufc #UFCHouston
— Imavov Nassourdine (@imavov1) February 22, 2026
Nassourdine Imavov was the first to chime in, referencing Strickland as “tha clown”, calling for a title fight between the two. Given the status of Chimaev holding the 185 belt, it seems unlikely, but maybe a transition to 205 is coming for the champion opening up for a rematch between the rivals for a vacant title.
Strickland vs Imavov for the vacant middleweight title should be the main card opener at the White House #UFCHouston
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) February 22, 2026
UFC Hall of Famer, Henry Cejudo was another who presented the idea of the vacant middleweight title, this time at the White House. No doubt Strickland would garner support in that fight on the biggest stage in the US, though if Dana White’s words are truth, the White House card’s matchmaking has already taken place.
Habibi calm down, I destroyed the guy who beat you twice 🤫
American bitch 😂— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) February 22, 2026
At last, Khamzat Chimaev. It’s true Dricus was victorious over Strickland twice both in 2024 and 2025, ultimately only to be dominated by Khamzat for five rounds at UFC 319. Yet Strickland’s takedown defense looked elite tonight against a high level submission artist in Anthony Hernandez. Hernandez isn’t on the level of Chimaev and it is unlikely Strickland would be able to keep the fight standing the whole fight but could his cardio and defensive grappling take a few rounds off the champion? Surely Imavov should have priority for the next title if it’s at 185 pounds but Sean is a sneaky matchup for Khamzat Chimaev in the future.
