Sean Strickland could get the Khamzat Chimaev fight due to the UFC’s need for ‘American stars’

Strickland knocked out Anthony Hernandez to return to winning ways after a loss to Dricus du Plessis last time out, and he made it clear what he wants next.

The polarizing American targeted champion Khamzat Chimaev, a callout that could turn out to be successful owing to Strickland’s nationality.

Is this the fight to make next?

Sean Strickland called out Khamzat Chimaev after his win at UFC Houston

Brendan Schaub explains why Khamzat Chimaev vs Sean Strickland is a no-brainer for the UFC

Before Strickland’s triumph in ‘The Lone Star State’, Nassourdine Imavov was the consensus number one contender. But ex-heavyweight Brendan Schaub believes the Frenchman has been leapfrogged.

During a recent episode of The Schaub Show, ‘Big Brown’ noted the absence of American stars in the UFC right now.

Believing that Strickland is among the few big names fighting out of the United States, Schaub suggested that a title shot against Chimaev is an obvious move for the UFC.

“The issue they’re going to have with Sean Strickland is that he’s one of their only stars,” Schaub said.

“There are probably 10 of them and he’s one of the 10. It gains traction. The UFC will use this as fuel for the next fight.

“If you think they’re going to sit on a Khamzat versus Strickland matchup, you’re out of your mind,” Schaub continued. “He’s such a bigger star, which they’re dying for. Him versus Khamzat is already on a platter. It’s right there.

“They need American stars. Strickland is right there on a platter. If you think they’re not going to do that fight, you’re out of your mind. You have to do it.”

The UFC has just one American undisputed champion in 2026

Schaub’s suggestion that the UFC is low on American stars is evidenced by the current group of champions on MMA’s biggest stage.

Just one undisputed titleholder is American, bantamweight queen Kayla Harrison. Justin Gaethje beat Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 to become interim lightweight champ, marking ‘The Highlight’ as the only male American champ.

Both are widely expected to be part of the UFC event at the White House this June, and Strickland’s coach pitched his title shot against Chimaev for the same celebratory card in Washington D.C.

The middleweight contender’s controversial words continued to cause a stir in the lead-up to his return, but Schaub does not think that will stop the UFC from pushing him into another big spot down the line.