Sean Strickland’s head coach believes Khamzat Chimaev should be next after UFC Houston: ‘We got style points’
MMA Fighting
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sean Strickland delivered one of his best performances yet, defeating Anthony Hernandez in the main event of UFC Houston with a dominant stoppage win that earned praise from his head coach, Eric Nicksick. Strickland's performance, marked by precise striking and a decisive knee to the body in the third round, showcased his skills and determination after a challenging period of injuries and setbacks. Nicksick highlighted how Strickland’s execution of their game plan, despite facing a surging opponent on an eight-fight win streak, demonstrated his growth as a fighter.
The victory not only solidified Strickland's position in the middleweight division but also positioned him as a potential challenger to Khamzat Chimaev for the UFC title. Nicksick believes that Strickland’s impressive showing against Hernandez, particularly the style of the finish, could earn him the next shot at the belt. This sentiment is shared by many in the MMA community, who see Strickland’s star power and knockout win as reasons to prioritize him over Nassourdine Imavov for a title rematch.
The article also delves into the evolving dynamics between Chimaev and Strickland, with both fighters engaging in trash talk and rivalry building. Nicksick acknowledges the significance of facing Chimaev, whom he describes as one of the best fighters in the world. Despite Chimaev’s recent improvements in areas like cardio and energy management, Nicksick remains confident that his team can develop a game plan to challenge him effectively.
This narrative matters to sports fans and MMA enthusiasts because it highlights the competitive landscape of the middleweight division and the strategic decisions that shape UFC title contention. Strickland’s performance not only reignited discussions about his potential as a title challenger but also emphasized the importance of style, execution, and timing in high-stakes MMA battles.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/25/2026