
Khamzat
Chimaev understands why Nassourdine
Imavov is the frontrunner to face Sean
Strickland.
Chimaev has been pushing for an immediate rematch with Strickland
after losing the
Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight title, but is now
open to waiting for a title shot. Amidst reports that Strickland
vs. Imavov 2 is being targeted for later this year, “Borz” has set
his sights on the victor.
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Khamzat Chimaev wants the winner of Sean Strickland vs.
Nassourdine Imavov 2
Chimaev acknowledged that Imavov, who’s won five fights in a row
since previously losing to Strickland, has been waiting for a
deserved title shot for quite some time.
“No, there’s no surprise,” Chimaev told Ushatayka, as seen in a
clip reposted by Championship Rounds on X. “How long has Imavov
been waiting now? Probably around two years. He’s already the
contender. Whoever wins, we’ll take him.”
In the same interview, Chimaev asserted that he has no plans to
leave the division, despite his team previously hinting at a light
heavyweight move in the aftermath of his loss to Strickland.
“No,” Chimaev replied when asked about moving up a weight class.
“Until we break everybody at 185, I’m not going anywhere.”
🚨 Khamzat
Chimaev reacts to the rumors of Sean
Strickland defending his title against Nassourdine
Imavov in December:„There’s no surprise. How long has Imavov been waiting now? He’s
already the contender. Whoever wins, we’ll take him.“He also says he’s staying at… pic.twitter.com/Ke42SjzOLy
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS)
September 3, 2026