TLDR
- Darren Till stated on a Kick livestream that a fully healthy version of himself would defeat Sean Strickland
- Till referenced Strickland’s recent victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 as context for his claim
- The former UFC welterweight contender said he trusts in his skill set against the current middleweight champion
- Till left the UFC after several losses in the latter part of his career
- The statement has generated discussion among MMA fans about Till’s chances against top contenders
Sources: MMA Junkie | Sherdog | Bloody Elbow | Cageside Press
Former UFC contender Darren Till believes he would defeat current middleweight champion Sean Strickland if he was at full health. Till made the statement during a recent livestream on Kick.
“I look at Sean Strickland now, he’s just beat Khamzat,” Till said during the stream. “I know for a fact, me 100 percent healthy, I take him out. I know I would.”
Till referenced Strickland’s victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 last Saturday. Strickland won the middleweight title by defeating Chimaev in the main event.
“Everyone even says it,” Till continued. “It’s easy for me to say it, he’s the champion, but I trust in my skill set.”
đŸ¤” Darren Till says Sean Strickland has the best chances at beating Khamzat Chimaev in the Middleweight division:
"Anyone's beatable. Khamzat knows that himself, that's why he trains so hard, he is not stupid.
I don't see anyone beating him, but maybe Sean has got the best… pic.twitter.com/9h91VTddER
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 30, 2026
Till’s UFC Career and Departure
Till was once considered one of the top welterweight prospects in the UFC. He quickly rose through the ranks at 170 pounds before getting a title shot against Tyron Woodley.
Woodley defeated Till by submission in their championship bout. After that loss, Till experienced several more defeats before leaving the UFC.
Till has remained close friends with Chimaev throughout his time away from the promotion. He predicted UFC 328 would be a difficult fight for Chimaev.
The Liverpool native has not competed inside the UFC octagon recently. His record in the final part of his UFC run included multiple losses to top contenders.
Strickland’s Recent Title Win
Strickland won the middleweight championship by defeating Chimaev at UFC 328. The fight came after months of heated buildup between the former training partners.
During fight week, Strickland insulted Chimaev’s family, religion and personal character. The trash talk created tension at the pre-fight press conference and ceremonial weigh-in.
After the fight, Strickland apologized to Chimaev for going “too hard” with his pre-fight comments. Chimaev accepted the apology and the two exchanged pleasantries after their bout.
Chimaev later explained on Instagram why he was willing to forgive Strickland. “If a person asks for forgiveness, I can forgive him,” Chimaev said.
Chimaev reportedly told his team he wants an immediate rematch with Strickland later this year. However, UFC CEO Dana White claimed Chimaev told him he wants to move up to light heavyweight after a difficult weight cut.
Till’s claim about beating Strickland has generated reactions from fans and analysts. The statement comes as Till pursues opportunities outside the UFC, similar to former fighter Mike Perry’s post-UFC career path.
