Khamzat Chimaev Claimed UFC Fight Is Not Booked
The middleweight fighter said he has no upcoming bouts scheduled after shifting his focus to wrestling matches.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
Khamzat Chimaev has stated that the UFC has not booked him for a future fight. Chimaev revealed his status while speaking with Arman Tsarukyan in backstage footage captured at UFC 331.
Why it matters
The fighter believes that UFC executive Hunter Campbell is currently preventing the organization from scheduling his next appearance in the octagon. His absence comes following a loss in his last major title bout.
Chimaev weighed 192.5lb during a September 2026 wrestling match against Tyron Woodley, significantly above the 186lb limit required for non-title UFC middleweight bouts. He has participated in three wrestling matches since May 2026.
The players
Khamzat Chimaev
He is a professional mixed martial artist and wrestler who previously held the middleweight world title.
Sean Strickland
He is a professional mixed martial artist who defeated Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 to win the middleweight world title.
Arman Tsarukyan
He is a professional mixed martial artist who was seen speaking with Chimaev in the recorded backstage footage.
Hunter Campbell
He is a senior executive at the UFC who manages fight bookings and athlete contracts.
Tyron Woodley
He is a former professional mixed martial arts champion who competed against Chimaev in a wrestling match in September 2026.
The details
Chimaev shared his frustration regarding his current UFC standing during a conversation with Arman Tsarukyan that was recorded for a fight night vlog. While he remains inactive in professional mixed martial arts, he continues to participate in grappling events.
Timeline
In May 2026, Chimaev lost his middleweight world title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328.
In September 2026, Chimaev competed in a wrestling match against Tyron Woodley.
On September 22, 2026, backstage footage of Chimaev discussing his status was published.
On November 14, 2026, Chimaev is scheduled to participate in another wrestling match.
Roadmap
The transition of high-profile fighters into independent grappling matches often reflects shifting priorities in athletic endurance and marketability. This departure from the standard UFC competitive schedule highlights the evolving influence fighters have over their own professional branding.
Chimaev's absence from the UFC roster means he is currently ineligible for middleweight rankings or potential title contention. Fans expecting his return to the octagon will see his competitive activity limited to non-MMA wrestling exhibitions for the remainder of the year.
The takeaway
Fighters often balance multiple combat disciplines as their careers evolve beyond the constraints of a single organization. Maintaining visibility in the public eye through alternative events like wrestling remains a strategy for athletes between high-stakes cage bouts.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional fighting, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
