Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) and Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC), who previously spent time training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, have recently been engaging in a war of words ahead of Saturday’s middleweight title fight at UFC 312.

UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev understand the opportunity he has in front of him following UFC 312 on Saturday night. Chimaev, who will be playing close attention to the main event title fight rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland,

UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis didn’t hesitate to sign the dotted line for his UFC 312 rematch with Sean Strickland. But as negotiations progressed for his next fight after defeating Israel Adesanya, du Plessis hoped the matchmakers would give Khamzat Chimaev the title shot instead of running it back with his former rival.