Khamzat Chimaev urges Sean Strickland to accept UFC title rematch

Khamzat Chimaev is still focused on a rematch with Sean
Strickland. | Getty/UFC

Khamzat
Chimaev is applying the pressure for a middleweight
championship rematch against Sean
Strickland.

Chimaev targeted Strickland in a social media post on Monday.
“Borz” relinquished the 185-pound strap to Strickland in a
split-decision defeat at UFC 328
on May 9. It was Chimaev’s first loss in 16 professional
outings.

“Accept the fight, don’t run. I’ll beat you anyway,” Chimaev wrote
on X. “The sooner this happens, the easier it will be to
breathe.”

Change in Plans and Another Worthy Contender

While Chimaev initially indicated he would move to light
heavyweight following the loss to Strickland, his focus quickly
shifted to a rematch shortly thereafter. A few days after UFC 328,
the Chechen fighter’s team released a statement revealing that
Chimaev is “obsessed” with receiving a return date against Strickland.

The
UFC has not provided any clarity regarding the next step in the
middleweight division. In addition to a Chimaev rematch, a title
defense against Nassourdine
Imavov — who has won five straight at 185 pounds — is also a
possibility for Strickland.