Khamzat Chimaev has made another bold statement about his unfinished business with Sean Strickland. The former middleweight champion wants revenge after suffering his first professional defeat at UFC 328 in May. The Khamzat Chimaev Sean Strickland Rematch remains unconfirmed, but Chimaev has no intention of abandoning his pursuit. He now claims he will follow Strickland to light heavyweight or even heavyweight if necessary.
Khamzat Chimaev Sean Strickland Rematch Could Happen at Any Weight Class
Khamzat Chimaev (15-1) has warned Sean Strickland (31-7) that changing divisions will not end their rivalry. The former UFC middleweight champion made those comments during a recent interview with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck. His remarks followed Strickland’s suggestion that he could leave middleweight because of ongoing disagreements with the UFC.
Chimaev explained that he would pursue Strickland even if the American moved up to light heavyweight. He also claimed he would consider heavyweight if his former opponent chose another division. His message reflected the frustration he has expressed since losing their championship fight.
“This guy is not going to run from me,” Chimaev said.
The statement adds another chapter to a rivalry that has continued for months after their first meeting. Chimaev has repeatedly demanded another opportunity against the man who ended his undefeated record. However, the UFC has not announced a rematch or indicated that the fighters will meet in another division.
Why Chimaev Wants Revenge Against Sean Strickland
Chimaev entered UFC 328 as the undefeated middleweight champion after winning all 15 of his professional MMA fights. Strickland challenged him on May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Their championship contest became one of the year’s most closely contested title fights.
Chimaev started aggressively and used his wrestling to establish early control. However, Strickland gradually found success with his striking as the contest progressed. The American maintained his pressure and capitalized when Chimaev struggled to sustain his early pace.
After five rounds, two judges scored the fight 48-47 for Strickland, while the third favored Chimaev. The split decision gave Strickland his second UFC middleweight championship and handed Chimaev his first professional defeat. The narrow result immediately created interest in another meeting.
Chimaev has challenged the decision on several occasions and believes he deserves another opportunity. He previously made a $1 million rematch offer to Sean Strickland while demanding that the champion accept another fight. His latest comments suggest the desire for revenge remains just as strong.
Sean Strickland’s UFC Pay Dispute Could Change His Fighting Future
Strickland’s future has become increasingly uncertain following his public criticism of UFC compensation. The middleweight champion has expressed dissatisfaction with the financial terms surrounding his next title defense. He believes his championship status should provide greater earning opportunities.
The American previously discussed the possibility of leaving the promotion after completing his contractual obligations. More recently, he suggested that moving to light heavyweight could help him fulfill his remaining UFC commitments. He also raised the possibility of vacating the middleweight championship.
However, Strickland has not officially surrendered his title or announced a move to another weight class. His next fight remains uncertain as discussions about his contract continue. The situation has also affected plans for his expected championship defense.
UFC CEO Dana White previously responded to the champion’s financial complaints by questioning his public statements. White revealed that Strickland signed a new contract in May 2026. The disagreement, covered in the Dana White Sean Strickland pay dispute, remains unresolved publicly.
Could Chimaev Really Follow Strickland to Heavyweight?
Chimaev’s latest comments suggest he is willing to consider drastic changes to secure another fight against Strickland. However, moving between divisions involves more than agreeing to face a particular opponent. Fighters must consider their physical preparation, competitive advantages, and the UFC’s matchmaking plans.
Chimaev has previously competed at welterweight and middleweight during his UFC career. He also discussed moving to light heavyweight after losing his championship in May. However, heavyweight would represent an entirely different challenge against potentially much larger opponents.
His comments therefore demonstrate his willingness to pursue the rivalry rather than confirm an actual divisional change. The UFC has not announced plans for Chimaev to compete at 205 pounds or heavyweight. Any future matchup would require an agreement between the fighters and the promotion.
Nassourdine Imavov Remains a Major Obstacle to the Rematch
Nassourdine Imavov (18-4, 1 NC) remains one of the leading candidates for Strickland’s next middleweight title defense. The French contender has established himself among the division’s strongest fighters through recent victories. His position creates another obstacle for Chimaev’s immediate championship ambitions.
Strickland previously defeated Imavov by unanimous decision during their January 2023 meeting. However, Imavov has continued improving and believes he deserves another opportunity against the American. Their proposed rematch would carry considerably greater stakes with the middleweight championship involved.
The UFC reportedly explored arranging their title fight for late 2026 or early 2027. However, Strickland’s compensation concerns have complicated those discussions and delayed an official announcement. Neither the date nor the championship matchup has received final confirmation.
Chimaev previously acknowledged that Imavov had a strong claim to the next title opportunity. He also expressed willingness to face another opponent while waiting for the championship picture to become clearer. His latest comments nevertheless confirm that Strickland remains his preferred target.
Khamzat Chimaev Says Strickland Rematch Would Bring a Big Payday
Chimaev also acknowledged the financial appeal of facing Strickland again. Their first championship fight generated considerable attention because of their heated rivalry and contrasting fighting styles. Another meeting could attract similar interest from MMA fans.
“They’re gonna pay good for our fight,” Chimaev said.
The former champion explained that another fight against Strickland could generate significant earnings. His comments suggest financial considerations now play a role alongside his desire to avenge the defeat. However, neither fighter has disclosed a confirmed purse for a potential rematch.
Chimaev previously offered Strickland $1 million to accept another fight, adding financial pressure to his public challenge. The proposal attracted attention but did not produce an official agreement. His willingness to pursue the matchup across different divisions represents another attempt to revive negotiations.
When Will Khamzat Chimaev Return to the UFC?
Chimaev has not competed inside the UFC Octagon since losing his championship at UFC 328 in May. The former champion has repeatedly expressed interest in returning before the end of 2026. However, the promotion has not announced his next opponent.
During his latest interview, Chimaev explained that he continues training and asking for another fight. He acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Strickland and Imavov’s potential championship matchup. Their situation could influence when he receives his next assignment.
Chimaev also indicated that he would consider facing another opponent if Strickland and Imavov compete against each other. That possibility would allow him to remain active instead of waiting indefinitely for a rematch. However, no alternative UFC matchup has received official confirmation.
The middleweight division also features other established contenders seeking important opportunities. Chimaev remains a significant figure because of his previous championship reign and impressive professional record. His next booking could help determine whether he returns directly to title contention.
Final Thoughts
Khamzat Chimaev has made it clear that his rivalry with Sean Strickland remains unfinished. The former middleweight champion wants another opportunity after suffering his first professional defeat in May. His latest comments suggest he would even consider changing divisions to pursue that rematch.
However, Strickland’s ongoing disagreement with the UFC has complicated the middleweight championship picture. Nassourdine Imavov also remains a leading contender for the next title opportunity. Those circumstances make an immediate Chimaev rematch uncertain.
Chimaev continues training while waiting for another UFC booking. Whether he eventually faces Strickland at middleweight or another division remains unknown. For now, his latest challenge has brought renewed attention to one of the UFC’s most heated rivalries.
FAQs About Khamzat Chimaev Sean Strickland Rematch
1. Will Khamzat Chimaev fight Sean Strickland again?
Chimaev has repeatedly demanded a rematch against Strickland following his UFC 328 defeat. However, the UFC has not officially announced another fight between them.
2. Is Khamzat Chimaev willing to fight Sean Strickland at heavyweight?
Yes. Chimaev recently claimed he would follow Strickland to any division, including heavyweight. However, neither fighter has officially announced a heavyweight matchup.
3. Who won Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland at UFC 328?
Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision on May 9, 2026. The victory gave Strickland the UFC middleweight championship and ended Chimaev’s undefeated professional record.
4. Why is Sean Strickland considering leaving middleweight?
Strickland has expressed frustration with UFC compensation and discussed moving to light heavyweight. However, he remains the middleweight champion and has not officially announced a divisional change.
5. Who could Sean Strickland fight next?
Nassourdine Imavov remains a leading candidate for Strickland’s next championship defense. Chimaev also wants another opportunity, but the UFC has not confirmed either matchup.
