Khamzat Chimaev has found a new way to demand another shot at Sean Strickland. This time, he attached a seven-figure offer to the challenge.The Khamzat Chimaev Sean Strickland rematch remains unofficial, but Chimaev wants it badly. He offered Strickland $1 million and said he does not care whether they settle their rivalry inside or outside the cage.
Khamzat Chimaev Offers Strickland $1 Million
Khamzat Chimaev 15-1-0 issued his latest challenge through social media on Monday. The former middleweight champion offered Strickland $1 million to face him again.
“Send me location and let’s fight,” Chimaev wrote. He added that he did not care whether the confrontation happened inside or outside the cage.
The message does not represent a formal fight agreement. No date, venue or UFC approval exists for a second fight between the rivals.
However, Chimaev’s latest offer leaves little doubt about his preferred opponent. He has repeatedly pursued another meeting since losing his championship.
Sean Strickland Handed Chimaev His First Career Loss
Sean Strickland 31-7-0 shocked Chimaev in the UFC 328 main event on May 9. He earned a split decision after five rounds at the Prudential Center in Newark.
Two judges scored the fight 48-47 for Strickland. The third scored it 48-47 for Chimaev, allowing Strickland to reclaim the middleweight championship.
The result also gave Chimaev the first professional defeat of his MMA career. Before UFC 328, he had won all 15 of his professional fights.
Their rivalry had already become one of the UFC’s most heated before fight night. The close decision ensured it did not end when the final horn sounded.
Chimaev Has Been Chasing the Rematch for Months
Chimaev initially appeared to have options outside middleweight after losing the championship. UFC CEO Dana White revealed that Chimaev had discussed moving to light heavyweight.
Chimaev quickly made his own intentions clear. He insisted he wanted to remain at middleweight and avenge the Strickland defeat.
He has repeatedly challenged the champion since then. His next UFC fight remains uncertain as he continues competing outside the Octagon.
The $1 million proposal is his strongest public attempt yet. It also comes while another middleweight contender is pushing hard for Strickland’s attention.
Nassourdine Imavov Could Get Strickland Before Chimaev
Nassourdine Imavov 18-4-0, 1 NC currently appears to have a stronger claim to Strickland’s first title defense. However, the UFC has not officially announced their fight.
Money has become a major part of that situation as well. Imavov recently offered $500,000 of his own money if Strickland fights and beats him.
Chimaev has now doubled that figure with his $1 million challenge. That does not mean either offer will determine the UFC’s matchmaking plans.
Strickland and Imavov have already fought once. Strickland defeated him by unanimous decision in January 2023 after accepting the light heavyweight fight on short notice.
Strickland and Chimaev’s Rivalry Runs Deeper Than UFC 328
The tension between Strickland and Chimaev started well before their championship fight. The two previously trained together and later disagreed publicly about what happened during those sessions.
Chimaev claimed he submitted Strickland in training. Strickland countered by claiming he made Chimaev quit during their gym work.
Their exchanges became even more personal during the buildup to UFC 328. Chimaev also released old sparring footage shortly before their title fight.
Despite that hostility, both men showed respect after fighting for 25 minutes. They embraced following Strickland’s victory, and Chimaev later suggested their personal problems were finished.
The peace has not lasted. Chimaev’s latest message has pushed their rivalry back into the middleweight spotlight.
Chimaev Is Staying Busy Outside the UFC
Chimaev has not simply waited for another UFC opportunity. He has remained active in wrestling while continuing to push for a Strickland rematch.
His schedule outside the promotion gives him another platform while the UFC determines its middleweight title plans. However, those appearances also make the timing of his Octagon return less certain.
The middleweight division already has several contenders looking for major fights. Any return would also have to fit into the current UFC middleweight rankings and championship picture.
For Chimaev, none of those alternatives appear as important as Strickland. His public comments consistently point back toward the man who took his title and undefeated record.
Will the UFC Book Chimaev vs Strickland 2?
A rematch has obvious appeal because of their history and the narrow first result. Chimaev’s previous championship status also keeps him relevant near the top of the division.
The biggest obstacle is timing. Imavov currently appears positioned ahead of Chimaev for the next title opportunity, although nothing is official.
The UFC could also require Chimaev to earn another victory before granting an immediate rematch. His first professional loss came only five months ago.
For now, the $1 million challenge is exactly that: a challenge. Strickland had not publicly accepted the offer when Chimaev issued it.
Final Thoughts
The Khamzat Chimaev Sean Strickland rematch has become personal again. Chimaev is now willing to attach $1 million to his demand for another fight with the UFC middleweight champion.
Strickland already owns the official victory, while Chimaev believes he deserves another opportunity. Imavov’s position complicates the title picture, but Chimaev clearly has no interest in allowing their rivalry to disappear. Whether the UFC agrees is now the bigger question.
FAQs
How much did Khamzat Chimaev offer Sean Strickland?
Chimaev publicly offered Strickland $1 million to fight him again.
Did Sean Strickland beat Khamzat Chimaev?
Yes. Strickland defeated Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 in May 2026.
Has Chimaev vs Strickland 2 been announced?
No. The UFC has not officially announced a rematch between them.
Who could Sean Strickland fight next?
Nassourdine Imavov appears to be a leading candidate, although the UFC has not officially confirmed the matchup.
Why does Khamzat Chimaev want a rematch?
Strickland took Chimaev’s middleweight championship and handed him the first professional defeat of his MMA career.
