Brendan Schaub believes Sean Strickland is one of the key fighters the UFC should highlight in the middleweight division.
Strickland (17-7 UFC) recently scored a TKO win over Anthony Hernandez in the main event of UFC Fight Night 267. This result positions him as a potential next challenger to Khamzat Chimaev, although Nassourdine Imavov, currently on a five-fight winning streak, could also be considered.
Schaub stressed that Strickland’s appeal makes him the obvious pick:
“Sean Strickland is one of their only stars. There’s probably 10 of them; he’s one of the 10. It gains traction. The UFC will use this as fuel for the next fight. If you think Imavov is getting the next title shot, you don’t know how this business works. Strickland beat him on days’ notice, so that doesn’t make much sense. Strickland is such a bigger star, which they’re dying for. Him vs. Khamzat is already on a platter. It’s right there.”
UFC Needs More American Stars
Currently, Kayla Harrison is the only American undisputed champion in the UFC, holding the women’s bantamweight title. Schaub explained the promotion needs more American stars to keep fans interested:
“They need American stars. They’re pushing Americans. Joe Pyfer vs. Izzy (Adesanya) doesn’t make a ton of sense. We need Joe Pyfer to win this. We need American stars. Gable Steveson, we need to sign Gable. They need American stars. Strickland is right there on a platter. You’re out of your mind if you think they’re not going to do that fight.”
Strickland vs. Chimaev: The Next Big Fight?
Schaub believes a matchup between Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev would give the UFC a high-profile American showdown fans would want to see.
“Strickland is right there on a platter. It’s right there.”
Strickland’s performance over Hernandez shows he can deliver exciting fights and handle pressure, making him a strong candidate for a title shot against Chimaev.
