LAS VEGAS — Khamzat Chimaev has vowed to follow Sean Strickland to any weight class to secure a rematch after suffering the first defeat of his MMA career. Strickland took a split decision over Chimaev at UFC 328 in May to win the middleweight title, a result Chimaev has since lobbied to overturn with an immediate second meeting.
Chimaev told MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck he will not let Strickland escape the rivalry, even if the champion vacates his belt. “If he goes up to 205, I’ll go after him and take his head,” Chimaev said. “I go straight after [him]. If he goes higher weight, I’ll go to heavyweight. This guy is not going to run from me.”
The callout follows Strickland’s recent pay dispute with the UFC. The new middleweight champion has said he would rather vacate the title and move to light heavyweight to fight out his contract quickly if the issue cannot be resolved, with Nassourdine Imavov previously expected to be first in line for a title shot. Chimaev said the financial stakes are driving his pursuit: “They’re gonna pay good for our fight. That’s why I go after [him]. It’s a big check.”
The promotion had been rumoured to be targeting Strickland’s first title defence for the end of the year or early 2027, but his next move remains unclear. Chimaev, meanwhile, is pushing for a swift return. “Hopefully soon, very soon,” he said about his comeback. “I’ve been training, asking about a fight. So we’ll see. I don’t know what’s going on with him and Imavov and those guys. If they fight, they fight. If they don’t fight, I want to fight with some of them.”