UFC CEO Dana White has disclosed that Khamzat Chimaev is eager to face Sean Strickland again. However, the UFC has not yet confirmed whether an immediate title rematch will be granted.
Following his defeat to Strickland at UFC 328, Chimaev, who was born in Chechnya and represents the UAE, had initially planned to move up to the light heavyweight division. But after the American fighter took the middleweight title from him via split decision, Chimaev now expresses a strong desire to reclaim the middleweight championship before pursuing a two-division title. He has publicly stated his intention for the rematch, promising a decisive outcome.
White confirmed Chimaev’s request in a recent interview, stating, “Khamzat right now is asking for the rematch with Strickland. That’s what he wants. We don’t know what we are going to do yet.”
Strickland, upon becoming a two-time UFC middleweight champion, had suggested that Chimaev would need to secure a few more wins before earning another championship opportunity. White, however, also noted during the same interview that Strickland is a fighter willing to take on any opponent.
Meanwhile, Nassourdine Imavov, the No. 3 contender in the UFC middleweight division and currently on a five-fight winning streak, has been anticipating a title shot. Chimaev’s insistence on an immediate rematch has raised concerns that Imavov might have to wait longer. Imavov has publicly voiced his desire for the UFC to honor its commitments, posting on X, “Plenty of talk around the championship fight lately. I believe everyone will stand on what they said #hunter @Mickmaynard2 #nohappyending @SStricklandMMA.”
