UFC President Dana White has disclosed that Khamzat Chimaev is strongly advocating for a second fight against Sean Strickland. However, the UFC has not yet made a decision regarding an immediate title rematch for Chimaev.
Initially, the Chechen-born Emirati fighter intended to move up to the light heavyweight division after his perceived victory over Strickland at UFC 328. However, Strickland, the American fighter, upset “Borz” by split decision, leading Chimaev to now desire the reclamation of the middleweight crown before pursuing championship status in two divisions.
Following his title defeat, Chimaev immediately informed White of his desire to compete at 205 pounds. However, he is now eager to face “Tarzan” again, promising a more definitive outcome in the rematch, stating that “somebody has to die.”
During an interview with Bret Boone, Dana White commented on Chimaev’s request:
“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, after regaining the UFC middleweight title, suggested that Chimaev would need to secure a couple of wins before being considered for another championship bout. White further added in the same interview:
“Strickland will fight anybody.”
Nassourdine Imavov Expresses Discontent with Potential Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev 2
The third-ranked UFC middleweight contender, Nassourdine Imavov, who boasts a five-fight winning streak, has been patiently awaiting his opportunity for a title shot. Following Khamzat Chimaev’s loss of the championship, it appeared Imavov was poised to finally challenge for the belt and potentially rematch Strickland.
However, with Chimaev persistently campaigning for an immediate rematch, there is a significant possibility the UFC could book the fight, forcing “The Sniper” to delay his aspirations once more. The 30-year-old fighter is unhappy with this prospect and is urging the matchmakers to honor their previous commitments. Imavov recently posted on X:
“Plenty of talk around the championship fight lately. I believe everyone will stand on what they said #hunter @Mickmaynard2 #nohappyending @SStricklandMMA.”