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Khamzat Chimaev's grappling coach, Alan 'Finfou' do Nascimento, identified a three-man race for the next middleweight title shot: Nassourdine Imavov, Anthony Hernandez, and Sean Strickland. Chimaev plans two fights in 2026, targeting June/July possibly at a White House event on June 14, avoiding Ramadan (Feb 18-Mar mid). Imavov leads with five wins since 2024; Hernandez seeks a ninth straight win over Strickland this weekend. The UFC awaits Houston results to decide interest. Chimaev trains in California with UAE passport easing U.S. entry. This shapes the division post-Du Plessis loss.
AgentMMA.com
