"They got along just fine” - Eric Nicksick reacts to Sean Strickland-Khamzat Chimaev beef online 

Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland have gone from sparring in the training room to sparring online, as the pair have recently engaged in a beef over social media. Their back-and-forth has made a potential clash between them all the more interesting.

Chimaev began the exchanges, calling out 'Tarzan' after he got the next title shot. The former middleweight champion shared a response, which has seen the pair continue their verbal jousting.

Strickland's longtime coach, Eric Nicksick, recently shared his thoughts on the words between the two former training partners.

Following the announcement that Strickland will face Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312 in February, Nicksick appeared on Submission Radio and said:

"They're probably messaging each other telling them what they're gonna say next. Who knows. But they seem like they got along just fine when they were training at the gym. I loved having Khamzat in the gym, I loved having Darren Till in the gym. They elevated the game for us. It was nice, and everyone got along just fine. But I get it now, they're right there within striking distance of fighting. Maybe you have to build that bad blood."

Catch Nicksick discussing the Khamzat Chimaev-Sean Strickland beef below (5:35):

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Dricus du Plessis speaks out about fighting Sean Strickland over Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev's sensational first-round submission win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 sent shockwaves around the MMA world. The emphatic finish left little doubt in the minds of many fans that 'Borz' should be fighting for a title in the future.

Prior to UFC 308, Sean Strickland was rumored to be fighting Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title. But Chimaev's win over Whittaker saw plenty call for him to face 'Stillknocks' instead.

However, the promotion confirmed that the South African will face Strickland at UFC 312, and the South African has now shared his thoughts on the final decision. He took to X and wrote:

"Just for clarification I preferred the Khamzat fight but the rematch is a fight most wanted before Khamzat vs. Whittaker. I'm not unhappy with the UFC's decision. Like I said, I'll fight the man fans think is the next best guy. He was promised the fight so Strickland it is."