Khamzat Chimaev has indicated his desire to move up to light heavyweight following his UFC 328 bout against Sean Strickland. When asked about a possible interim title fight at middleweight, Chimaev stated he hopes Carlos Ulberg recovers quickly but isn't focused on what comes after Strickland. He emphasized that Strickland is a strong opponent and good fighter despite the trash talk, and said he's concentrating solely on that fight. Chimaev added that after beating Strickland, he'll see who's next and doesn't care either way. The comments suggest his middleweight run may be nearing its end regardless of the outcome at UFC 328.
Khamzat Chimaev has floated the idea of moving up to light heavyweight once he gets past Sean Strickland at UFC 328, scheduled for May 9, 2026.
Chimaev, 32, enters the bout as the number-one ranked middleweight and sits tenth on the pound-for-pound list. Fighting out of Allstars Training Center for the United Arab Emirates, "Borz" carries a 15-1 record and brings some of the most suffocating grappling in the division — averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 60 percent. When asked about a potential interim middleweight title fight, Chimaev acknowledged Carlos Ulberg but said he hopes the New Zealander recovers quickly and that he is not looking past Strickland.
Strickland, 35, is the reigning middleweight champion and comes in at 31-7. The American, who trains at Xtreme Couture, is known for relentless forward pressure and volume, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute. He stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, and Chimaev gave him his due respect despite the verbal sparring between the two, calling him a strong opponent and a good fighter.
Chimaev added that after handling Strickland, he will assess who is available next and said he is indifferent to the options — language that points toward a serious appetite for 205 pounds. Ulberg, ranked third at light heavyweight with a 15-1 record, stands six-foot-four and would represent a formidable gatekeeper to any division newcomer.
Why it matters
- A Chimaev victory over champion Strickland would shake up the middleweight title picture immediately
- His comments on light heavyweight introduce Carlos Ulberg, ranked third at 205, as a potential future target
- Chimaev's elite takedown output — 5.29 per 15 minutes — would be a new physical challenge for a light heavyweight roster built around strikers
- The middleweight division could face an unexpected vacancy or transition depending on how Chimaev frames his future after UFC 328
Saturday, May 9, 2026
