Chimaev Vows to Chase Strickland to Any Weight Class

Khamzat Chimaev says he will follow Sean Strickland up the scale to heavyweight if that's what it takes to get a rematch, warning the UFC middleweight champion that "this guy is not going to run from me."

Strickland beat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 in May to win the middleweight title, handing Chimaev the first loss of his pro career. Chimaev immediately called for a rematch, but Nassourdine Imavov was lined up as Strickland's first title defense instead. That plan has since stalled amid a pay dispute between Strickland and the UFC, with Strickland floating the idea of vacating the belt and moving up to light heavyweight to fight out his contract.

Chimaev isn't letting him get away that easily.

"If he goes up to 205, I'll go after him and take his head," Chimaev told MMA Fighting's Mike Heck. "I go straight after him. If he goes higher weight, I'll go to heavyweight."

Why Chimaev Wants Strickland So Badly

Chimaev has made clear since the loss that his priority is the biggest fight on the board, not a tune-up at middleweight. A rematch with Strickland checks every box: it avenges his only career defeat, settles a storyline that's simmered since UFC 328, and comes with a massive paycheck attached.

"They're gonna pay good for our fight," Chimaev said. "That's why I go after him. It's a big check."

That financial angle matters here because it's the same issue currently holding up Strickland's entire title reign. Strickland has publicly clashed with the UFC over his purse for a defense against Imavov, and the champion has said he won't fight or sign anything until the money issue is resolved. If Strickland does bail on 185 pounds rather than take that fight, Chimaev's threat to trail him up in weight stops being a throwaway line and becomes a real possibility fans need to track.

What It Means for the Betting Markets

A Chimaev-Strickland rematch, wherever it happens, would open as one of the more heavily bet MMA markets on the calendar given how competitive and controversial their first meeting was. Chimaev was favored going into UFC 328 and still lost a split decision, so sportsbooks and bettors alike will be watching closely for any signal on which weight class the rematch actually lands in, since a move to light heavyweight or heavyweight would change the matchup math considerably for both men. Until Strickland's situation with the UFC is sorted out, there's no fight to price, but Chimaev made clear he's not waiting around quietly.

"Hopefully soon, very soon," Chimaev said of his return. "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Khamzat Chimaev want a rematch with Sean Strickland?

Khamzat Chimaev lost to Sean Strickland by split decision at UFC 328 in May, the first loss of his MMA career, and he wants an immediate rematch to avenge it and collect what he calls a big-money fight.

Will Sean Strickland move up to light heavyweight?

Sean Strickland has said he could vacate the middleweight title and move to light heavyweight to fight out his UFC contract quickly amid a pay dispute with the promotion, though nothing is finalized.

Is Nassourdine Imavov still next for Sean Strickland?

Nassourdine Imavov was expected to be Sean Strickland's first middleweight title defense, but those plans have been complicated by Strickland's ongoing pay dispute with the UFC.