Chimaev Demands Rematch With Strickland Title Winner
The former UFC middleweight champion wants another title shot against the winner of Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
Khamzat Chimaev is calling for a rematch against whoever wins the expected Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov fight. Strickland defeated Chimaev by decision at UFC 328 to win the undisputed UFC middleweight title.
Why it matters
Chimaev's push positions him for a return to the top of the middleweight division after losing the belt. The outcome of the Strickland vs. Imavov bout will determine his next opportunity.
Strickland won by decision at UFC 328 to claim the undisputed middleweight title. Chimaev has been inactive nearly six months, and it is not confirmed whether Strickland vs. Imavov has been officially booked.
The players
Khamzat Chimaev
Chimaev is a Swedish-Chechen mixed martial artist known for his wrestling-based style and rapid rise through the UFC middleweight ranks.
Sean Strickland
Strickland is an American mixed martial artist known for his outspoken personality and his decision win over Chimaev that claimed the UFC middleweight title.
Nassourdine Imavov
Imavov is a French-Russian mixed martial artist who is currently considered the top contender in the UFC middleweight division.
The details
Strickland stifled Chimaev's grappling during their UFC 328 fight. Chimaev, meanwhile, has competed under the Real American Freestyle banner since the loss and is lobbying for another middleweight title shot.
Timeline
UFC 328: Strickland defeats Chimaev by decision to win the title.
Early 2027: Strickland vs. Imavov title fight is expected.
Season Trajectory
Chimaev's push for a rematch fits a pattern of fighters seeking direct title reruns after losses at the top of the middleweight division. His limited fight frequency since 2022 means any return will depend on how quickly the Strickland vs. Imavov bout is scheduled.
Fans tracking the middleweight title picture will need to watch the Strickland vs. Imavov result, since Chimaev has said he will wait for that winner. Chimaev has also indicated he would follow Strickland up to heavyweight for a rematch if that becomes an option.
The takeaway
Chimaev's willingness to wait for the Strickland vs. Imavov result shows how the middleweight title picture is now tied to that single fight. Readers should track that bout for the next clear path to the belt.
What happens next
Strickland is expected to face Nassourdine Imavov in early 2027, which will determine Chimaev's next opportunity.
Further reading
Explore more Mixed Martial Arts news and fight coverage to follow the next middleweight title picture.
