Khamzat Chimaev Reveals His Next Move as He Pushes For Sean Strickland Rematch

Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev wants an immediate rematch against Sean Strickland after UFC 328 disappointment.

Khamzat Chimaev Reveals His Next Move as He Pushes For Sean Strickland Rematch

Khamzat Chimaev wants Sean Strickland rematch (via Sky Sports, MMA Fighting)

Khamzat Chimaev‘s rise through the UFC was defined by dominant performances and refined technical skills. The Chechen entered his first middleweight title defense at UFC 328, determined to extend his perfect record. However, Sean Strickland defeated Chimaev, handing him his first professional career loss. Now, nearly two months later, Chimaev has reignited their rivalry by calling for a rematch.

Strickland dethroned Chimaev by split decision after five rounds, with two judges scoring the contest 48-47 in his favor. The controversial star defended 10 of Chimaev’s 15 takedown attempts while outlanding him in significant strikes, 106-82, and head strikes, 81-49. The Chechen phenom controlled for over eight minutes on the ground but still suffered the first defeat of his career, dropping to 15-1.

Following his victory at UFC 328, Strickland revealed he competed with a significant shoulder injury that affected his preparation before fight night. The newly crowned middleweight champion chose recovery therapy over invasive surgery, hoping to return without undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation process by December 2026. As Strickland continues recovering, Chimaev has reignited their rivalry by calling for a rematch on X.

Accept the fight, don’t run. I’ll beat you anyway. The sooner this happens, the easier it will be to breathe.

Khamzat Chimaev via X

Leading into UFC 328, Chimaev and Strickland traded personal insults throughout fight week, with neither fighter backing down during multiple media appearances. Their hostility peaked at the ceremonial faceoffs, where ‘Borz’ kicked Strickland. The rivalry carried significant tension into fight night.

After the fight, ‘Tarzan’ said much of his trash talk was intended to sell the matchup. The rivals touched gloves before the bout and embraced afterward. Chimaev said he let the insults go after Strickland bowed his head. However, Chimaev recently revealed another reason for wrapping the belt around Strickland.

Because I want him to clean my belt.

Khamzat Chimaev via X

However, Chimaev’s push for a rematch is notable, given the difficult weight cut ahead of UFC 328. The Chechen star appeared visibly drained and began slowing down early, while reports indicated he cut nearly 44lbs. Those struggles raised fresh questions about his long-term future at middleweight.

Interestingly, UFC CEO Dana White later revealed that Chimaev had requested a move to the light heavyweight division after UFC 328. Reports also suggested he was being lined up to face former champion Jiri Prochazka at 205 pounds before ultimately receiving the Strickland title fight instead.

As Chimaev campaigns for a rematch, several UFC veterans have urged him to rethink his preparation. Former champion Kamaru Usman pointed to the absence of experienced head coaches and cornermen. However, UFC bantamweight legend T.J. Dillashaw criticized his team’s handling of the drastic weight cut.

Those assessments have shifted attention toward Khamzat Chimaev’s overall approach. Whether he pursues another title shot at middleweight or changes divisions, adjustments outside the Octagon could prove just as important as those inside it.

RELATED
Sean Strickland Rematch Targeted by Team Khamzat Chimaev After UFC 328 Weight Cut Mishap

Former UFC champion calls out Khamzat Chimaev’s team for weight cut excuses

Khamzat Chimaev’s brutal UFC 328 weight cut was first revealed by teammate Arman Tsarukyan, who said ‘Borz’ shed 44lbs in camp. The concerns grew further at the official weigh-ins, where Chimaev appeared drained and struggled to walk onto the scale. His condition quickly became a major storyline.

Chimaev has struggled with difficult weight cuts throughout his UFC career on multiple occasions. At UFC 279, he missed the welterweight limit by 7.5 pounds, forcing the promotion to reshuffle the entire main card. He instead faced Kevin Holland and secured a dominant first-round submission victory.

Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 (via The Sun)

Jamahal Hill is a former light heavyweight champion and has remained out of competition since his June 2025 loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. The Michigan native has long been critical of Chimaev and frequently taken issue with the Chechen star’s trash talk. Their verbal exchanges have fueled a tense rivalry.

Now nearing a year of inactivity, Hill has expressed interest in moving up to the heavyweight division as he resumes UFC discussions. Hill also criticized Chimaev’s team for blaming the weight cut for the UFC 328 result. He argued that those excuses only undermined the credibility of Sean Strickland’s victory.

That’s not his problem. That’s his fault. That’s part of the damn game. You had a bad weight cut, that’s on you. So what? That’s one thing I hate about this, bro. Everything has been about ‘how can I take away from this person’s win?

Jamahal Hill via his YouTube channel

UFC veteran Chael Sonnen also questioned the claim that ‘Borz’ cut 44lbs. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan defended his teammate, revealing that their team pushed Chimaev to finish the cut after he was ready to quit. For Jamahal Hill, those explanations remain excuses that do not diminish Sean Strickland’s victory.

Also Read: