Khamzat Chimaev has voiced his hope that his UFC 328 title fight against Sean Strickland will be his last performance in the middleweight division.
Chimaev is set to defend his 185-pound championship for the first time against Strickland in the main event of UFC 328. The fighter, originally from Chechnya and representing the UAE, aims to defeat “Tarzan” efficiently before vacating the title and moving up to light heavyweight in pursuit of becoming a two-division champion.
In a recent interview with Mike Bohn, Chimaev stated, “I hope so [this is my last fight at middleweight]. I like to eat pizza. We will see.”
Previously, “Borz” had alluded to a potential move to heavier weight classes, suggesting he could compete at both light heavyweight and heavyweight. However, UFC President Dana White had insisted that Chimaev first defend his middleweight title before considering a weight class change.
In related news, the newly crowned light heavyweight champion, Carlos Ulberg, is recovering from a damaged tibia and a torn ACL. He has undergone surgery and is focused on returning to the octagon as soon as possible.
With Ulberg sidelined, the UFC might consider an interim light heavyweight title fight, with the winner potentially facing Ulberg upon his return.
During the same interview, Chimaev extended his well wishes for Ulberg’s speedy recovery. He also emphasized that his current focus is not on his light heavyweight aspirations but on his upcoming fight this weekend, where he has unfinished business to attend to.
Khamzat Chimaev Eyes October Return in Abu Dhabi Post-UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev revealed in a conversation with the UFC that following Sean Strickland’s victory over Anthony Hernandez earlier this year, he personally contacted Hunter Campbell to push for their long-anticipated matchup to be booked.
Chimaev further disclosed that he hopes to compete again in October, when the promotion is scheduled to hold an event in Abu Dhabi, after his UFC 328 fight.