Sean Strickland chokes beach challenger in playful grappling match
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UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was caught on camera submitting a fan with a rear-naked choke during an impromptu grappling match on a beach.
The incident, which occurred less than two months after Strickland claimed the 185-pound title, shows the champion taking down his opponent face-first into the sand before transitioning to back control and forcing a tap with a standing rear-naked choke, according to MMA Fighting. The exchange appeared lighthearted, with both men engaging in the playful contest willingly.
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Chimaev calls for Strickland title defense
While Strickland enjoys time outside the cage, his first title defense remains unbooked. Khamzat Chimaev, who recently fought Strickland to a split decision, has been pushing for a rematch on social media.
"Accept the fight, don't run, I'll beat you anyway," Chimaev wrote Monday. "The sooner this happens, the easier it will be to breathe."
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The UFC has not announced Strickland's next opponent or a timeline for his first middleweight title defense.
Original reporting:
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