Sean Strickland goes ballistic on Khamzat Chimaev: "When the leash got too tight he fled to the Middle East"

Sean Strickland has not entered the octagon since June when he defeated Paulo Costa via split decision in the co-main event of UFC 302. The No.1-ranked middleweight has expressed that he plans to sit out and wait for an opportunity to rematch Dricus du Plessis.

The upcoming UFC 308 clash between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev could alter those plans, however, as promotional frontman Dana White has labeled the five-round bout as a title eliminator. 'Tarzan' took to Instagram to call out 'Borz', saying (via Championship Rounds):

"I love how the world just over looks this guy's past... Builds a life in Sweden, goes and becomes best friends with an absolute monster who pretty much bought him like a W... then when the leash got too tight he fled to the Middle East... You should not be allowed in this country. You [sold] your soul to a terrorist dictator... You are not compatible with America... Thank god we don't do drone strikes in that part of the sand pit... Sick of the UFC forgetting it's an American company."

In a separate comment, Strickland added:

"Lmao now buy a crypto scam with my name on it"

Check out Sean Strickland's comments on Khamzat Chimaev below:

There have been reports that Chimaev may not be allowed in the United States due to his ties to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. While the reports have not been confirmed, 'Borz' has not competed in the nation since defeating Kevin Holland via first-round submission at UFC 279 over two years ago.

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Dricus du Plessis' coach hints at Sean Strickland being skipped for title shot

Sean Strickland has continued to angle for a rematch against Dricus du Plessis. 'Stillknocks' coach recently hinted, however, that 'Tarzan' is not next in line, suggesting that he may not get a title fight at all in 2025. Speaking to Submission Radio, Morne Visser stated:

"Sean's overselling it. He's just had one win after Dricus. That was against [Paulo] Costa. [Robert] Whittaker had two and I think he's going to go for number three now so my honest opinion is that next for us in line will be Whittaker in Sydney in February. I think he's going to beat Khamzat [Chimaev] and I think they're going to give him the shot."

Check out Morne Visser's comments on Dricus du Plessis below (5:24):

Visser added that facing Robert Whittaker in Sydney makes more sense. However, if he is unable to get through Khamzat Chimaev, Strickland will get the next title opportunity. He noted that he believes du Plessis will face Israel Adesanya in South Africa later in 2025, which leaves 'Tarzan's' place in the title picture unclear.