After losing the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328, Khamzat Chimaev publicly told matchmakers he’s ready to return and named Sean Strickland plus three top 185-pound contenders as opponents.
Chimaev publicly posted on X that he’s ready to fight and named Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho.
Chimaev’s UFC 328 loss to Strickland was a split decision that ended his unbeaten run and delayed his plan to move up in weight.
Nassourdine Imavov has a five-fight win streak and believes he has a strong case for the next title shot, while Strickland has expressed willingness to face top contenders.
# What happened
# Why this matters The middleweight picture is unsettled. Strickland's upset win at UFC 328 ended Chimaev's unbeaten run and stopped his immediate plans to chase two-division gold. Strickland, after reclaiming the title, has publicly said he is prepared to face top challengers. Dana White has not finalized a plan and has said fan interest will factor into whether a Chimaev–Strickland rematch happens.
At the same time, Nassourdine Imavov is on a five-fight winning streak and has argued he deserves a title shot. Imavov says the UFC promised him a shot and has voiced the desire to avenge his prior loss to Strickland. That creates competing claims for the next title opportunity: the former champ wanting an immediate rematch, and a contender with momentum asking to be next.
# Who Chimaev is willing to fight
# What officials have said Dana White has not announced a clear next step for either Chimaev or Strickland. White has indicated he leans on fan demand when deciding rematches and title fights, stating that what fans want matters in matchmaking. Strickland has previously suggested he preferred to run it back with Imavov at one point, but his recent comments leave a rematch with Chimaev on the table.
# Stakes and possible outcomes A rematch between Chimaev and Strickland would settle the question of who belongs at the top of the division after the split-decision result at UFC 328. If the UFC instead positions Strickland against Imavov, Chimaev would likely need to beat a top contender to reclaim title contention. Chimaev's openness to multiple opponents signals he wants to stay active and re-establish his claim to the belt regardless of which route the promotion chooses.
# Bottom line
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