Jorge Masvidal weighed in on current UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.
With Khamzat Chimaev now sitting atop the UFC middleweight division, Jorge Masvidal is already questioning how the champion’s style will hold up against Sean Strickland in a possible UFC 3XX title fight. Masvidal made the comments on the Death Row MMA podcast while discussing how a matchup with Strickland could force Chimaev into uncomfortable territory.
That matters because Strickland has built a reputation as one of the division’s hardest outs, largely due to his defensive discipline, constant pressure and ability to stay composed over five rounds. For a champion like Chimaev, who has often overwhelmed opponents early, a fight like that could become a very different kind of test.
Masvidal’s criticism centered on Chimaev’s approach once the fight hits the mat. In his view, Chimaev has opportunities to do damage but instead leans too heavily on control, choosing to keep opponents grounded rather than taking bigger risks. He also suggested Strickland could be the first opponent willing and able to seriously challenge Chimaev in grappling exchanges, even if the champion gets the takedown.
From a divisional standpoint, that potential fight would say a lot about where middleweight is heading. If Chimaev beats a former champion like Strickland convincingly, it strengthens his hold on the belt and clears out one of the toughest stylistic threats in the top tier. If Strickland can stuff enough shots and drag the fight into deep waters, the title picture opens up again and the division suddenly looks far less predictable.
American fans are likely to latch onto this matchup because it offers a clean contrast in styles: Chimaev’s explosive wrestling and aggression against Strickland’s jab, pace and durability. Masvidal’s take adds fuel to that conversation, especially as debate continues over whether Chimaev’s control-heavy stretches are dominance or a sign that elite opponents can make him fight more cautiously. If this bout comes together, the biggest question won’t just be who lands first — it’ll be whether Chimaev can keep Strickland down long enough to prove he’s still a step ahead.
