Khamzat Chimaev's coach 'Finfou' revealed a three-man race for the next title shot and outlined plans for two bouts this year: one in June or July, followed by a title defense on UFC's annual trip. This positions Chimaev strongly in the middleweight picture. The coach's comments underscore Chimaev's activity push after past setbacks. It matters for the division as it signals contention for the belt. Fans can anticipate booking announcements soon, potentially elevating rivals.
Khamzat Chimaev's coaching staff has publicly outlined an ambitious schedule for the Borz in 2026, with plans for two fights including a middleweight title defense before the year is out.
Coach Finfou revealed the broad strokes of the plan, describing a three-man race for the next title shot and indicating Chimaev's first outing could come as early as June or July. A title defense is then penciled in for later in the year, tied to the UFC's annual international trip. The comments signal that Chimaev's camp is pushing hard for maximum activity after stretches of inactivity hampered his momentum in prior years.
Chimaev, 32, carries a 15-1 record into 2026 and sits at number one in the middleweight rankings while cracking the pound-for-pound top ten at number ten. Fighting out of the United Arab Emirates and training at Allstars Training Center, the orthodox striker is one of the most statistically dominant fighters in the division. He lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate, a combination that few middleweights can match. His wrestling is equally punishing, with 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts in the same window.
Why it matters
- Chimaev at number one in the division makes him the central figure in any title conversation at 185 pounds
- Two fights in a calendar year would address concerns about his availability and cement his place at the top
- A three-man title contender race, as described by the coach, means booking decisions in the coming weeks could reshape the entire middleweight landscape
- His physical profile, standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, gives him advantages across multiple styles and makes opponent matchmaking particularly consequential
