Chimaev Vows to Chase Strickland All the Way to Heavyweight
Khamzat Chimaev says he will follow Sean Strickland to any weight class for a rematch.
Khamzat Chimaev is not letting the Sean Strickland rematch go. If the middleweight champion moves up, Chimaev says he will follow.
"We will make the matchup, don't worry," Chimaev declared at Real American Freestyle 14 in Las Vegas. "I'm the hunter. He's a chicken running away."
Chimaev and Strickland fought at UFC 328 in May, with Strickland winning a split decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48). The fight was not considered a classic. After weeks of threatening each other in the buildup, the two hugged it out afterward, and Strickland later suggested the entire feud was staged to sell tickets.
None of that has cooled Chimaev's appetite. Borz says he will go after Strickland "wherever he goes," including light heavyweight or heavyweight if the champion decides to move up.
The problem with Chimaev's campaign is math. Strickland is the champion. Chimaev has a loss on his record at 185, and he has fought only once a year since 2022, per MMA Mania. His activity rate makes it hard to build a credible case for a title rematch, no matter how loudly he asks for one.
Still, Chimaev brings an intensity that few fighters in the sport can match. If the UFC needs a foil for Strickland at any weight class, Borz is first in line and making sure everyone knows it.
I love the energy from Chimaev, but let's be real: this is a guy who fights once a year telling the champion he can't hide. Strickland already beat you, brother. You're not chasing him, you're chasing relevance.
If Chimaev wants the rematch, the path is simple. Beat somebody ranked in the top five. Stack a couple of wins. Show the UFC you can stay healthy and active for more than 15 minutes a year. Then the rematch sells itself.
The "I'll follow you to heavyweight" line sounds great on a mic at RAF 14, but Chimaev at heavyweight is a science experiment nobody asked for. Strickland is a big middleweight. Chimaev used to fight at welterweight. Chasing a guy up two weight classes isn't a plan, it's a negotiating tactic. And right now, Strickland holds all the cards.
