Khamzat Chimaev still wants Sean Strickland, no matter where he goes.
Strickland handed Chimaev the first loss of his pro career at UFC 328 in May, taking the middleweight title by split decision. Chimaev formally requested a rematch soon after, and he hasn’t backed off.
Speaking to MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Chimaev said a weight class won’t stop him.
If he goes up to 205, I’ll go after him and take his head. I go straight after [him]. If he goes higher weight, I’ll go to heavyweight. This guy is not going to run from me.
He also made it clear the money matters.
They’re gonna pay good for our fight. That’s why I go after [him]. It’s a big check.
Chimaev said he hopes to be back soon, but he is keeping an eye on the middleweight title picture.
I’ve been training, asking about a fight. So we’ll see. I don’t know what’s going on with him and Imavov and those guys. If they fight, they fight. If they don’t fight, I want to fight with some of them.
Strickland’s first title defense remains up in the air. Talks for a Nassourdine Imavov rematch reportedly broke down over pay, and Strickland has since talked about leaving the UFC to box. Dana White has shut down talk of a new contract.
