Khamzat Chimaev calls out four potential opponents for UFC return
MMA Fighting • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 4:00 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
Khamzat Chimaev expressed his intent to return to the octagon following his middleweight title loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 this past May. Chimaev, who holds a professional record including a championship win over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, stated he is ready to fight regardless of title implications. He identified Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho as his preferred next opponents. While Strickland has indicated he does not intend to compete again until December, none of the other named fighters currently have bouts scheduled. Chimaev remains active in the sport, with a match against Tyron Woodley scheduled for September 5 in Real American Freestyle. This push for a return comes after his first professional defeat in May, ending a title run that began with his victory over Du Plessis in August 2025.
- •Khamzat Chimaev lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May.
- •Chimaev challenged Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho for his next fight.
- •None of the four potential opponents have upcoming bouts currently booked.
- •Chimaev is scheduled to fight Tyron Woodley on September 5.
- 4:00 PMMMA Fighting — Khamzat Chimaev calls for fights with Sean Strickland, 3 others for UFC return
- 3:55 PMYahoo Sports — Khamzat Chimaev is ready to fight, names four potential opponents
"NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: Khamzat Chimaev of Russia prepares to face Sean Strickland in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Khamzat Chimaev says he just wants to fight, and he doesn’t seem to care if a title is on the line or not. Chimaev, who lost the UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland in his first title defense at UFC 328 in May, has been calling for a return match with Strickland for the past several months. If “Borz” doesn’t get the shot, he has three other names for his return list. “I’m ready,” Chimaev wrote on Twitter. “Let me know when you are ready Sean, Dricus [du Plessis], Nassourdine [Imavov], Caio [Borralho].” The loss to Strickland was Chimaev’s first as a pro fighter. As far as who he could compete with next if it’s not Strickland, Imavov has certainly made a case to get a championship opportunity following his dominant decision win over Borralho at UFC Paris this past September. Du Plessis lost the title to Chimaev in a lopsided decision at UFC 319 a year ago. The former champ bounced back with a one-sided victory of his own against past welterweight champ Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City in July. Borralho was able to get back in the win column himself with a clear-cut victory over Reinier de Ridder at March’s UFC 326 event.
"Former middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is ready to book his next fight.
Sources
External links- MMA FightingSep 1, 2026, 4:00 PMKhamzat Chimaev calls for fights with Sean Strickland, 3 others for UFC return
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: Khamzat Chimaev of Russia prepares to face Sean Strickland in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Khamzat Chimaev says he just wants to fight, and he doesn’t seem to care if a title is on the line or not. Chimaev, who lost the UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland in his first title defense at UFC 328 in May, has been calling for a return match with Strickland for the past several months. If “Borz” doesn’t get the shot, he has three other names for his return list. “I’m ready,” Chimaev wrote on Twitter. “Let me know when you are ready Sean, Dricus [du Plessis], Nassourdine [Imavov], Caio [Borralho].” The loss to Strickland was Chimaev’s first as a pro fighter. As far as who he could compete with next if it’s not Strickland, Imavov has certainly made a case to get a championship opportunity following his dominant decision win over Borralho at UFC Paris this past September. Du Plessis lost the title to Chimaev in a lopsided decision at UFC 319 a year ago. The former champ bounced back with a one-sided victory of his own against past welterweight champ Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City in July. Borralho was able to get back in the win column himself with a clear-cut victory over Reinier de Ridder at March’s UFC 326 event.
- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 3:55 PMKhamzat Chimaev is ready to fight, names four potential opponents
Former middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is ready to book his next fight.
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