Khamzat Chimaev’s Next Opponent Hints at Title Fight Following Ramadan in 2026

Middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev entertains Nassourdine Imavov for his mid 2026 return from injury and Ramadan.

Khamzat Chimaev’s Next Opponent Hints at Title Fight Following Ramadan in 2026

Khamzat Chimaev's return in 2026 (via Instagram)

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The gap between expectations and timing has grown clearer in the UFC middleweight division, as the next championship bout for Khamzat Chimaev has been pushed well into 2026. Recent developments around injury and religious observance complicate scheduling. Meanwhile, #2-ranked middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov remains firmly in line to challenge for the title.

Chimaev recently underwent a minor foot surgery. The procedure and initial recovery period make it unfeasible for him to resume complete training immediately. The medical timeline sets his earliest return months away, ruling out early-2026 scheduling. The injury adds to mounting delays following his impressive championship win against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August 2025.

Compounding that delay is the observance of Ramadan. The holy month in 2026, lasting from February 17 to March 19, overlaps with what might have been a training window. Given that many Muslim fighters prefer not to compete during Ramadan, Borz’s camp has indicated a plan to wait until after the month concludes before resuming fight prep. However, Imavov has revealed that he is ready to wait.

Had a good conversation with UFC, I told them, Title shot only! If we have to wait, we’ll wait. No distractions, no detours, Great things require great preparation. Make no mistake, I’ll be ready! I’m not used to waiting, but this time I have to.

Nassourdine Imavov via X

Imavov’s title case sharpened through a rapid climb powered by knockout finishes and high-level wins at 185 pounds. Victories over Israel Adesanya, Jared Cannonier, and Brendan Allen solidified him as a leading contender. His dominant win over undefeated Caio Borralho at UFC Paris further elevated his profile and was particularly instrumental in drawing Chimaev’s attention.

Chimaev’s career was repeatedly disrupted by cancellations and medical issues, leading to extended breaks between appearances. His scheduled fight with Leon Edwards was cancelled three times between late 2020 and early 2021 due to COVID-19 complications. His UFC 279 matchup with Nate Diaz also collapsed when he missed weight, continuing a pattern of inconsistent availability.

The division’s wider stakes have grown as Kamaru Usman recently suggested he might skip ahead of Imavov for a title shot. Usman is widely recognized for giving Chimaev the hardest fight of his career at UFC 294 in 2023. His interest adds another layer of contention to the title picture. With multiple challengers circling, the division’s direction in 2026 may shift quickly once Khamzat Chimaev returns.

Khamzat Chimaev extends olive branch to Khabib Nurmagomedov with cryptic post

Tensions between Khamzat Chimaev and Team Khabib Nurmagomedov trace back to years of regional rivalry and gym-based disagreements that later escalated publicly. Chimaev was directly involved in a brawl with Abubakar Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s cousin, during the UFC 280 fight week altercation. The incident intensified friction between the camps.

Khamzat Chimaev Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov (via Imago)

At UFC 322, Islam Makhachev added a significant milestone to that backdrop by becoming the 10th two-division UFC champion after winning the welterweight title. The victory also tied him for the longest winning streak in UFC history at 16 consecutive wins. Shortly after the event, Chimaev extended a rare gesture of goodwill toward Makhachev’s team.

The wolf and the eagle are not always close, but when you need to protect the mountains, they will always protect them together!

Khamzat Chimaev via Instagram

The broader significance of this shift stems from the cultural and religious bonds shared by many fighters from the Caucasus region. Their traditions emphasize unity, loyalty, and shared faith, values that often rise above competitive tensions. Chimaev’s gesture aligns with these principles and signals a move toward restored harmony. It reflects how regional brotherhood can overcome past disputes within the sport.

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