Sean Strickland cannot avoid Khamzat Chimaev.
In May, Strickland handed Chimaev the first loss of his MMA career, taking a split decision over him at UFC 328 to win the middleweight title. After the loss, Chimaev lobbied for an immediate rematch with Strickland, but in the ensuing months, it became apparent that Nassourdine Imavov would be first up for the new middleweight champion. But recently, things hit a snag as Strickland started feuding with the UFC over pay, saying that if this cannot be resolved, he’d rather vacate his title and move to light heavyweight so he can quickly fight out his contract.
If he does that, Chimaev will be close behind.
“If he goes up to 205, I’ll go after him and take his head,” Chimaev told MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck. 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 grudge match between Strickland and Chimaev was one of the biggest events of 2026, and since winning the title, Chimaev has made it clear that he’s primarily focused on getting the biggest fights possible. That’s why he’s so interested in a rematch with Strickland.
“They’re gonna pay good for our fight,” Chimaev said. “That’s why I go after [him]. It’s a big check.”
It remains to be seen how the situation between Strickland and the UFC will play out. The promotion was rumored to be targeting Strickland’s first title defense for the end of the year or early 2027, but now it’s a question of whether Strickland will even defend the belt. As for Chimaev, whatever happens, he just wants it to be settled so he can get back to action soon.
“Hopefully soon, very soon,” Chimaev said about his return. “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.”