Khamzat Chimaev is ready to get back inside the Octagon, and the former UFC middleweight champion isn’t being particularly selective about who stands across from him.
Chimaev has continued pushing for another fight with Sean Strickland after losing the middleweight championship to him at UFC 328 in May. That defeat was the first of Chimaev’s professional MMA career, but if an immediate rematch isn’t available, “Borz” already has three other opponents in mind.
Taking to X, Chimaev called out Strickland along with Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho.
I’m ready. Let me know when you are ready Sean, Dricus, Nassourdine, Caio.
The message makes it clear that Chimaev wants to fight again, regardless of whether his return comes with a championship opportunity attached.
Khamzat Chimaev Still Wants Sean Strickland Rematch
Strickland remains the most obvious target. Chimaev entered UFC 328 as middleweight champion after capturing the belt from du Plessis at UFC 319. His reign didn’t last long, however, as Strickland defeated him in his first title defense. The result also handed Chimaev his first loss as a professional.
Since then, Chimaev has repeatedly made it known that he wants another opportunity against Strickland. Whether the UFC is interested in booking an immediate rematch remains unclear.
That’s where the other three names enter the picture.
Imavov has strengthened his position in the title conversation following a dominant decision victory over Borralho at UFC Paris. The win further established him as one of the leading contenders in the middleweight division.
Du Plessis also has obvious history with Chimaev. After losing the championship to him in a one-sided decision at UFC 319, the former champion rebounded with a dominant victory over former welterweight titleholder Kamaru Usman in July.
Borralho rounds out Chimaev’s four-man wish list.
Despite his setback against Imavov, Borralho returned to winning ways by defeating Reinier de Ridder at UFC 326 in March. A matchup with Chimaev would give him another opportunity against one of the division’s biggest names.
