Stephen Thompson: Khamzat Chimaev beats Sean Strickland in rematch

Stephen Thompson believes Khamzat Chimaev would defeat Sean Strickland in a rematch, saying the Chechen did not look like his best self in their first meeting at UFC 327.

Thompson told MMA Full Mount that Chimaev appeared diminished during the split decision loss to Strickland earlier this month. "Do I think that was the best Chimaev that we've seen? No, I don't think so. He looked a little fatigued, a little tired," Thompson said, per Sherdog.

Training camp changes may have affected Chimaev performance

The longtime welterweight contender suggested Chimaev's preparation suffered because he did not train in southern Russia as he had before facing Dricus du Plessis. Thompson noted the difference in camp structure as a possible explanation for why Chimaev gassed and struggled to impose his wrestling in the later rounds against Strickland.

Chimaev has not publicly addressed his training arrangements for the Strickland fight. The loss snapped an eight-fight UFC winning streak and dropped him from title contention at middleweight.

No rematch has been discussed by the UFC. Strickland is expected to face a top-five opponent next, while Chimaev's timeline for return remains unclear.

Source: sherdog.com