Khamzat Chimaev Sends Blunt Message To UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland

Chimaev warns Strickland and the rest of the middleweight division.

Khamzat Chimaev is putting UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland on notice.

Strickland shocked the world when he defeated Israel Adesanya to capture the 185-pound gold at UFC 293. It wasn't just the victory itself that surprised the MMA world, but it was also the way he dominated "The Last Stylebender" for four of the five rounds. Strickland was on cruise control in the standup, and Adesanya struggled to hit him en route to the unanimous decision verdict.

Chimaev is well aware of the shakeup, as he prepares for a pivotal middleweight clash with former title challenger Paulo Costa at UFC 294. For "Borz," it doesn't matter who is on top if he becomes the number one contender.

Sean Strickland fights Israel Adesanya for the middleweight championship in the main event of UFC 293 / (via Jasmin Frank-USA TODAY Sports)

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In a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, Khamzat Chimaev sent a clear message to the newly-minted UFC middleweight titleholder Sean Strickland.

"Now, it's my time," Chimaev said. "Smash that guy [Paulo Costa]. Doesn't matter if it will be Izzy or Strickland or somebody else. I'm coming for them. Strickland! Coming for him. If you stay there, man, coming for you too."

While Chimaev clearly has his sights set on Strickland, he won't deny the hard work that the champion has put in.

"He works hard, deserves it," Chimaev said. "The guy was always in the gym, gets the belt. He has a good team, good coach. Been there, trained with that guy. So, they deserve that belt."

With that said, Chimaev believes the UFC is hiding the middleweight title from him. He said that once he runs through the competition at 185 pounds, the promotion will have no choice but to give him a title shot.

If you use any quotes from this article, please leave an H/T to MMAKnockout.com for the transcription.

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