League: UFC Sport: MMA Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Sean Strickland recovering from injury, open to Khamzat Chimaev rematch

Yahoo Sports • 1 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.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

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 Sports — Sean 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

"
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 […]
— Yahoo Sports

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