Khamzat Chimaev Hints at UFC Break If No Fight by Year-End

Khamzat Chimaev says he could step away from the UFC if the promotion doesn't book him a fight before the end of 2026. Speaking to Adam Zubayraev, the former UFC middleweight champion said accumulated injuries have him considering a hiatus rather than fighting hurt again.

Why Chimaev Is Talking About Walking Away

Chimaev has repeatedly fought through injury and illness, and he says he's done ignoring it if the UFC can't get him in the cage soon. "If nothing happens in October or December, I think I'll take a little break," Chimaev said. "I have a lot of injuries that I need to get treated. I've been putting off my surgeries, putting them off, putting them off, and I go into every fight with some kind of problem." He added that his health issues are well known at this point: "People already know that I get sick often. That's just how it is with me."

Chimaev had been eyeing a return in October in Abu Dhabi, but his path back to the cage this year is now unclear. He has been pushing for a title shot and a rematch with current middleweight champion Sean Strickland, but Nassourdine Imavov is strongly rumored to get the next crack at the belt. That leaves Chimaev needing a fight against another top 185-pound contender if he wants to compete before 2026 ends.

What It Means for the Middleweight Picture and Betting Markets

A Chimaev sabbatical would be a significant blow to a middleweight division already sorting out its next title fight. With Imavov positioned as the likely next challenger for Strickland, Chimaev's clearest route to staying active is a non-title bout against another ranked contender, not an immediate rematch. For bettors, that makes futures markets on the middleweight title picture volatile right now. Books tend to shorten a fighter's next-fight and title-shot odds once a return is even loosely on the calendar, and Chimaev's status is the opposite: less certain than it was a few weeks ago. Anyone holding futures tied to a Chimaev appearance in 2026, whether in Abu Dhabi in October or elsewhere in December, should expect those markets to stay shaky until the UFC actually names an opponent and date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why might Khamzat Chimaev take a break from the UFC?

Khamzat Chimaev says he may step away from the UFC if the promotion doesn't book him a fight by the end of 2026, so he can address lingering injuries he has been fighting through.

Is Khamzat Chimaev fighting Sean Strickland next?

Not confirmed. Chimaev has been campaigning for a middleweight title shot against champion Sean Strickland, but Nassourdine Imavov is strongly rumored to get the next title opportunity instead.

When was Khamzat Chimaev supposed to return to the UFC?

Khamzat Chimaev had initially targeted an October return in Abu Dhabi, though his next fight is not yet finalized.