Khamzat Chimaev wants to return to the UFC before the end of 2026, but he is running out of patience. The former middleweight champion says he could take time away from fighting if nothing is booked by December. Chimaev also revealed that several injuries and delayed surgeries are affecting his plans. After losing his title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328, the 15-1 fighter has been pushing for another matchup.
Khamzat Chimaev Wants a Fight Before December
Chimaev has made it clear that inactivity is not what he wants right now. He has repeatedly called for a return and has shown interest in fighting before the end of the year.
The former champion previously mentioned October and December as possible windows for his comeback. However, no fight has been officially booked for him yet. That uncertainty has now created another possibility.
Chimaev says he will consider taking a break if nothing happens by December. The decision would give him time to deal with physical problems that he has continued to carry into his fights.
That could make his next UFC appearance dependent on both matchmaking and his health. For now, Chimaev appears determined to give the promotion one final window before stepping away temporarily.
Chimaev Reveals Several Lingering Injuries
The biggest development is not simply the lack of a fight. Chimaev says his body needs attention after years of competing while dealing with different physical problems.
The former champion revealed that he has been postponing surgeries while continuing to fight. He also said that he regularly enters fights with some type of physical issue.
Chimaev has previously dealt with serious health problems during his career. His latest comments suggest that the problems have continued even as he established himself as one of the UFC’s most dangerous middleweights.
He also disclosed that he has only part of his thyroid gland after previous medical treatment. Chimaev said he has undergone anesthesia seven times and six surgeries.
Those details provide important context for his recent activity. While fans have often focused on his periods away from competition, Chimaev says health issues have played a major role in those interruptions.
Why Chimaev Is Still Chasing a 2026 Return
Despite the injury concerns, Chimaev does not appear ready to disappear from the UFC for an extended period. He wants to fight again and has already discussed several possible opponents.
His preferred route remains connected to the middleweight title picture. Chimaev lost his championship to Strickland by split decision at UFC 328, ending his perfect professional record.
Strickland won the fight by scores of 48-47, 48-47 and 47-48. The result handed Chimaev the first defeat of his professional career and changed the direction of the division.
Chimaev’s situation has become more complicated because Nassourdine Imavov is now being discussed as a leading contender for Strickland’s belt. That makes an immediate rematch harder to guarantee.
Still, Chimaev has shown that he is willing to fight outside the title picture. He has previously called out multiple middleweights while pushing for a quick return.
Fans can also revisit the earlier Khamzat Chimaev next fight discussion to see how his current situation has developed.
The Middleweight Division Is Moving Without Him
The UFC middleweight division is not waiting for Chimaev. Strickland has regained the championship, while other contenders continue to position themselves for the next title opportunity.
Imavov has become an important part of that picture after his recent run of victories. Chimaev has acknowledged that the French contender deserves consideration for a title opportunity.
That creates a difficult situation for the former champion. If Chimaev waits too long, the title picture could move further away from him.
At the same time, rushing back while carrying multiple injuries could create an even bigger problem. His next fight needs to restore momentum without putting his long-term career at unnecessary risk.
The current landscape makes the UFC middleweight rankings especially important to Chimaev’s next move.
Chimaev’s First Loss Changed Everything
Before UFC 328, Chimaev had never experienced defeat in professional MMA. His 15-0 run included dominant performances that established him as one of the division’s most feared fighters.
His championship win over Dricus du Plessis had finally delivered the UFC gold many expected him to capture. The reign, however, lasted only until his next title defense.
Strickland’s close decision victory exposed how narrow the margin can be at the highest level. Chimaev still remains one of the most dangerous fighters at 185 pounds, but he now has to rebuild his position.
A strong return could quickly put him back into the championship conversation. Another setback, especially while carrying injuries, could make the road back considerably longer.
What Happens If Chimaev Takes Time Off?
If Chimaev does not receive a fight by December, his temporary break could become more than a simple vacation from competition. His comments suggest that medical treatment is one of the main reasons behind the potential decision.
That could allow him to complete surgeries he has repeatedly postponed. It would also give him time to recover without the pressure of preparing for another UFC fight.
For a fighter who has dealt with repeated physical problems, that approach could be more beneficial than accepting a rushed matchup. Chimaev’s priority would shift from getting back into the Octagon to making sure his body is ready for another championship run.
The timing will ultimately depend on the UFC and Chimaev’s medical situation. If a suitable opponent emerges before December, he still appears eager to fight.
Final Thoughts
Khamzat Chimaev’s next fight has reached an important crossroads. The former middleweight champion wants to compete again, but he has also admitted that his body needs attention after years of fighting through injuries.
December now represents a clear deadline. If the UFC books him, Chimaev appears ready to return and rebuild his path toward the middleweight title.
If nothing materializes, taking time away could finally allow him to address the surgeries he has postponed. Either way, his next decision could have a major impact on the UFC middleweight division and his own championship ambitions.
