UFC CEO Dana White has disclosed that Khamzat Chimaev is strongly advocating for a second encounter with Sean Strickland. However, the UFC has not yet finalized whether they will grant Chimaev an immediate title rematch.
Following his split-decision loss to Strickland at UFC 328, the Chechen-born Emirati, who had initially intended to move up to light heavyweight, is now focused on reclaiming the middleweight championship before pursuing success in multiple weight classes.
After the title defeat, Chimaev promptly communicated his desire to move to the 205-pound division to White. However, he is now keen to face “Tarzan” again, vowing that the rematch will be decisive, stating that “somebody has to die.”
During an interview with Bret Boone, Dana White commented on Chimaev’s persistent requests:
“Khamzat right now is asking for the rematch with Strickland. That’s what he wants. We don’t know what we are going to do yet.”
Strickland, after regaining the middleweight title, suggested that Chimaev would need to secure a few more wins before earning another championship opportunity. White further added in the same interview:
“Strickland will fight anybody.”
Nassourdine Imavov Opposes Immediate Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev 2
Nassourdine Imavov, ranked third in the UFC middleweight division and currently on a five-fight winning streak, has been patiently awaiting a title shot. Following Khamzat Chimaev’s loss, it appeared Imavov was positioned to finally challenge for the belt and potentially face “Tarzan” again.
However, with Chimaev persistently campaigning for an immediate title rematch, there is a distinct possibility the UFC could book the second fight, forcing “The Sniper” to delay his title aspirations once more. The 30-year-old fighter has expressed his strong opposition to this, urging the matchmakers to uphold their previous commitments. Imavov recently posted on X:
“Plenty of talk around the championship fight lately. I believe everyone will stand on what they said #hunter @Mickmaynard2 #nohappyending @SStricklandMMA.”