Sean Strickland recovering from injury, open to Khamzat Chimaev rematch

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 12:19 AM

Last updated Jul 31, 2026

Sean Strickland recovering from injury, open to Khamzat Chimaev rematch
Summary

UFC Middleweight champion Sean Strickland is nearly ready to return after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained before UFC 328. Strickland, who won the title by defeating Khamzat Chimaev in May 2026, stated he needs a little more time to heal. He expressed interest in a rematch with Chimaev, who has continued to trash-talk since their closely contested fight. With no date finalized, a potential title fight could take place in December 2026 amidst other options on the table for the champion.

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Status Watch
  • Strickland won the Middleweight title on May 9, 2026.
  • He suffered a shoulder injury shortly before UFC 328.
  • Strickland is considering a rematch with Chimaev.
  • A potential fight could be scheduled for December 2026.
  • Chimaev has continued his trash-talk since their last meeting.
Latest Updates
  • 12:19 AMYahoo SportsSean Strickland’s next fight? UFC Middleweight champion needs ‘little longer’ to heal, open to silencing trash-talking sore loser Khamzat Chimaev (again) – ‘Second L’
What they're saying
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Sean Strickland is almost ready. It has been almost three months since the foul-mouthed Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight champion reclaimed the 185-pound title by defeating Khamzat Chimaev in a razor-close split decision at UFC 328 on Sat., May 9, 2026, inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. And apparently, fight fans have been bombarding […]

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