Exclusive: Jared Cannonier gets brutally honest about Khamzat Chimaev potentially facing Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland winner next

Khamzat Chimaev is expected to face the winner of the Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland rematch, which takes place at UFC 312. Fellow middleweight contender Jared Cannonier recently shared his thoughts on the possibility with James Lynch in an exclusive Sportskeeda interview.

Not only does Cannonier believe that Chimaev will indeed receive a title shot against whoever emerges from UFC 312 as the middleweight champion, he opined that the UFC itself has been determined to have him fight for the title for some time now.

"Yeah, I think the UFC has been waiting to give this man a title shot, so absolutely. I feel like he's gonna get the next one."

Now, whether Chimaev can beat either man, Cannonier didn't mince his words about the unbeaten Chechen.

"He's a force to be reckoned with in the octagon. So yeah, he definitely can."

Check out Jared Cannonier's assessment of Khamzat Chimaev (9:29):

Chimaev has made it no secret that he intends to capture the middleweight title this year. In fact, following his annihilation of former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, rumors were abound that 'Borz' could have supplanted Strickland as the next challenger to du Plessis' title.

Ultimately, the promotion opted to award Strickland with a promised shot at the middleweight title, especially given how closely-contested his first bout with du Plessis was. While there's been no confirmation on Chimaev's next fight, hardly anyone expects him to fight for anything less than UFC gold.

Moreover, his win over Whittaker is somewhat symbolic, as 'The Reaper's' middleweight losses have only ever come against former, current and future middleweight champions.

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Khamzat Chimaev has been quietly feuding with Sean Strickland

While there appears to be little issue between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis, the same cannot be said for his relationship with Sean Strickland. The pair sparred together at one point, with Strickland claiming to have beaten Chimaev during their training session. Chimaev, however, objects to this narrative.

"He said he beat me in sparring, but there were a lot of guys around who saw me choking him and beating him up. It was even recorded on camera. So, we also have some unfinished business."

Check out Khamzat Chimaev countering Sean Strickland's claim:

The pair's feud has only heated up in recent months, especially with both men previously squabbling over the middleweight title shot.