Khamzat Chimaev Reacts to Strickland vs Imavov Rumor
Khamzat Chimaev has reacted to growing speculation that UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland could defend his title against Nassourdine Imavov in December, and the former champion appears surprisingly comfortable with the possibility.
Rather than demanding an immediate rematch with Strickland, Chimaev acknowledged that Imavov has built a legitimate case for a championship opportunity. The Russian-born contender has remained unbeaten across his last six fights and most recently strengthened his position with a major victory over former UFC champion Israel Adesanya. MMMA Fighting+1
The potential Strickland-Imavov fight has become one of the biggest questions surrounding the UFC middleweight division. While the matchup has been widely discussed, it has not been formally confirmed as an official UFC title fight.
For Chimaev, however, the situation appears relatively simple: if Strickland and Imavov fight for the belt, he wants the winner.
Khamzat Chimaev Is Not Surprised
Chimaev’s reaction to the rumor was notably calm.
According to MMA Fighting, he said there was no surprise in the possibility of Imavov receiving the next title opportunity. Chimaev pointed to how long the contender has been waiting and recognized his recent run of success. MMMA Fighting
That response is significant because Chimaev has repeatedly made it clear that he wants to return to the UFC title picture.
The former champion lost his undefeated professional record and middleweight championship when Strickland defeated him by split decision at UFC 328 in May. The result was the first professional loss of Chimaev’s career and returned Strickland to the top of the division. EESPN+1
A rematch would therefore make obvious sporting sense.
However, the UFC has another contender with a strong argument.
That contender is Imavov.
Why Nassourdine Imavov Has a Strong Case
Imavov’s rise has been one of the most important developments in the UFC middleweight division.
The French contender has put together a six-fight unbeaten streak, including victories over several established names. His most notable recent win came against Adesanya, whom he stopped by second-round TKO in February 2025. He subsequently defeated Caio Borralho by unanimous decision, further strengthening his championship credentials. WWikipedia
Imavov has also been waiting for an opportunity to fight for UFC gold.
He previously faced Strickland in January 2023. That fight was originally scheduled at middleweight but ultimately took place at light heavyweight after Kelvin Gastelum withdrew. Strickland won the bout by unanimous decision. WWikipedia
A rematch would therefore give Imavov an opportunity to settle unfinished business while simultaneously competing for the championship.
Imavov has previously said that he wants another fight with Strickland and has described the matchup as personal. He also claimed that the UFC had told him his next fight would be for the belt. SSherdog
That history adds another layer to the potential title fight.
Chimaev Still Wants the UFC Belt
Although Chimaev appears willing to let Strickland fight Imavov first, that does not mean he has abandoned his championship ambitions.
Quite the opposite.
Chimaev has publicly expressed a strong desire to return to competition and reclaim the middleweight championship. Recent comments indicate that he is willing to face several of the division’s top contenders if a direct rematch with Strickland does not materialize. MMMA Fighting
That list has included Strickland, Imavov, Caio Borralho and Dricus du Plessis.
The message from Chimaev is straightforward: he wants to remain active.
Instead of waiting indefinitely for the UFC to make a decision, he appears prepared to fight another elite contender and work his way back toward the championship.
That could make the middleweight division particularly interesting over the coming months.
Strickland vs Imavov Would Create a Major Rematch
A Strickland-Imavov championship fight would not simply be another title defense.
It would be a rematch between two fighters who already have history.
Their first meeting was a tactical fight that Strickland won by unanimous decision. Because the contest took place at 205 pounds rather than middleweight, Imavov could argue that a championship rematch at 185 pounds would provide a different test.
Strickland, meanwhile, would enter the fight as the reigning champion after his major upset victory over Chimaev.
The champion’s return to the top has already changed the middleweight landscape.
Before UFC 328, Chimaev entered the year as the division’s champion. The UFC’s official 2026 middleweight preview had identified him as the man at the top of the weight class, with several contenders positioned to challenge him. UUFC
Everything changed when Strickland won.
Now Chimaev is chasing the belt he previously held.
What Happens to Chimaev If Imavov Wins?
A victory by Imavov could create an entirely new situation.
Chimaev and Imavov have already been mentioned as potential opponents, and Chimaev has indicated that he would be willing to face the French contender.
If Imavov defeats Strickland, however, Chimaev could potentially find himself fighting for the title against a champion he has never faced.
That would be a fresh matchup with major implications.
It would also give Chimaev another opportunity to demonstrate that he belongs at the top of the division.
On the other hand, if Strickland defeats Imavov, the pressure for a Chimaev rematch could become enormous.
Strickland would have successfully defended the championship against another leading contender, while Chimaev would remain one of the most recognizable and dangerous challengers in the division.
That scenario could make a second Strickland-Chimaev fight difficult for the UFC to ignore.
Chimaev Has Another Option
Chimaev does not necessarily have to wait for the title picture to resolve itself.
The former champion has recently mentioned other top contenders as potential opponents.
Caio Borralho is one particularly interesting possibility.
Borralho remains a highly ranked middleweight and has been part of the championship conversation. Chimaev has also mentioned former champion Dricus du Plessis as another possible opponent. MMMA Fighting
A fight against either man could provide Chimaev with a clear path back to the championship.
It would also allow the UFC to keep the division moving rather than putting the entire title picture on hold while waiting for a rematch.
For Chimaev, activity could be particularly important.
He has made it clear that he wants to fight.
Why the UFC Middleweight Division Is Heating Up
The middleweight division now has several elite fighters competing for position.
Strickland holds the championship.
Imavov is pushing for his long-awaited title opportunity.
Chimaev wants another chance to reclaim the belt.
Du Plessis remains a major name in the division, while Borralho is also positioning himself among the leading contenders.
That creates multiple possible matchups.
The UFC could book Strickland against Imavov and then have Chimaev face another contender. Alternatively, the promotion could reverse those priorities and give Chimaev his rematch immediately.
Much will depend on timing, fighter availability and the UFC’s long-term plans for the division.
For now, however, the Strickland-Imavov rumor appears to have momentum.
Chimaev’s Attitude Could Be the Biggest Story
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the latest development is Chimaev’s attitude.
After losing his first professional fight, many fighters might immediately demand a rematch.
Chimaev has done that to an extent, but he has also demonstrated a willingness to move forward.
His recent comments suggest that he recognizes why Imavov deserves consideration.
That does not mean Chimaev has accepted a permanent place outside the title picture.
Instead, he appears confident that he can eventually defeat whoever holds the belt.
That confidence has been a defining feature of Chimaev’s career.
He has repeatedly sought the toughest available competition, and his latest comments indicate that his ambitions have not changed following the loss to Strickland.
The Stakes for Sean Strickland
For Strickland, a potential fight with Imavov would be another opportunity to establish his second reign as champion.
His victory over Chimaev was one of the biggest results of his career.
Now he has to prove that the performance was not an isolated upset.
A successful defense against Imavov would significantly strengthen Strickland’s position.
It would also potentially delay a Chimaev rematch.
If Strickland loses, however, the entire middleweight hierarchy could shift again.
Imavov would become champion, Chimaev would remain one of the leading contenders, and the UFC would suddenly have several compelling options for its next title fight.
The Stakes for Nassourdine Imavov
Imavov has perhaps the most to gain.
After years of climbing the rankings, a championship fight would finally give him the opportunity to compete for UFC gold.
His previous victory over Adesanya helped establish him as a legitimate elite contender. A win over Strickland would take his career to another level.
It would also erase the disappointment of his first meeting with the American.
Imavov has already made it clear that he wants the fight.
Now the question is whether the UFC will officially make it.
What Chimaev’s Next Move Could Be
For the moment, Chimaev’s immediate priority is outside the UFC.
He is scheduled to face former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in a wrestling match at RAF Moscow. The event represents a different type of competition for Chimaev while he waits for his next MMA opportunity. MMMA Fighting+1
Once that event is completed, attention will likely turn back toward the UFC.
Chimaev has already made his position clear.
He wants to fight.
Whether that fight is a rematch with Strickland, a title opportunity against Imavov, or a matchup against another elite middleweight remains to be seen.
Final Verdict
The latest Khamzat Chimaev reaction suggests that the former UFC middleweight champion is not panicking over the possibility of Sean Strickland defending his title against Nassourdine Imavov.
Instead, Chimaev appears prepared to let the division’s next title fight play out and then target the winner.
That could be good news for the UFC.
The promotion now has several compelling paths available. Strickland vs. Imavov would settle an old rivalry while determining the next champion. Chimaev could then challenge the winner, or he could take on another top contender while the title picture develops.
For fans, the result is an increasingly competitive middleweight division.
And for Chimaev, the objective remains unchanged.
Get back to the UFC title—and eventually defeat whoever stands between him and the belt.
Sources
- MMA Fighting — Khamzat Chimaev reacts to the rumored title fight
- UFC — UFC 328 results and highlights
- ESPN — UFC 328 fight results
- Sherdog — Imavov’s claim about his next title shot
Image ALT Text: Khamzat Chimaev reacts to Sean Strickland vs Nassourdine Imavov title fight rumor
Internal-link suggestion: Add links to your site’s existing articles about Khamzat Chimaev, Sean Strickland, Nassourdine Imavov, UFC 328, and the UFC middleweight championship.
