Khamzat Chimaev Won't Let Go of Sean Strickland Rematch
Chimaev has been pushing for an immediate rematch since his split-decision loss at UFC 328, and he's not slowing down.
Khamzat Chimaev is not moving on from Sean Strickland. The former title challenger has been publicly campaigning for an immediate rematch since losing the middleweight belt in May, and his latest round of posts makes it clear nothing has changed.
Chimaev tagged Strickland on X and wrote, "Accept the fight, don't run, I'll beat you anyway. The sooner this happens, the easier it will be to breathe." When asked about the moment he wrapped the belt around Strickland's waist after UFC 328, Chimaev replied, "Because I want him to clean my belt," per MMA Sucka.
The two fought at UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark, New Jersey. Strickland won a split decision with two judges scoring it 48-47 in his favor and one giving it to Chimaev by the same margin. It was Chimaev's first professional loss. The bout reportedly came after a near-fatal weight cut for Chimaev, who still made championship weight.
Strickland is now in his second middleweight reign, having first held the belt from September 2023 to January 2024. He is reportedly dealing with a shoulder injury but continues to train. Nassourdine Imavov has also been pushing for a crack at the title, but Chimaev is considered the frontrunner for Strickland's next defense.
The two were once training partners before the rivalry turned personal. No date has been set for a potential rematch.
I covered UFC 328 live, and I had Chimaev winning that fight. A lot of people did. The split decision was close enough that you can argue it either way, and that's exactly why Chimaev can't let it go. He knows he was right there.
The problem is Strickland holds the cards. He's the champ. He's dealing with a shoulder issue. And Imavov is lurking. If I'm Chimaev, I'm staying loud and staying ready, because the moment Strickland looks elsewhere, the window starts to close.
Strickland's second reign has the feel of a guy who's figured out his lane. He's not the most exciting champion, but he's tough to solve over five rounds. Chimaev's best path is probably the same fight with a healthier weight cut and a willingness to push the pace in the championship rounds. He faded late in Newark. Fix that, and the belt comes home.
