Khamzat Chimaev appears to have reconsidered moving up in weight after writing to Sean Strickland that they will meet again soon. The message suggests Chimaev may be pursuing a rematch at middleweight rather than moving to light heavyweight as previously speculated. The post came shortly after Chimaev's loss to Strickland at UFC 328. The details remain limited, but the social media message indicates a potential shift in Chimaev's plans.
Khamzat Chimaev appears to have reversed course on a potential move to light heavyweight, instead setting his sights on Sean Strickland once more. The Borz took to social media to tell Strickland directly that the two would meet again soon, a message that surfaced shortly after the pair clashed at UFC 328.
Chimaev, 32, carries a 15-1-0 record and holds the number-one middleweight ranking as well as a spot at number ten in the pound-for-pound standings. Fighting out of Allstars Training Center and representing the United Arab Emirates, the six-foot-two grappler has built his reputation on a suffocating wrestling game, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes with a striking accuracy of 60 percent. His lone professional loss now belongs to the man he is calling out.
Strickland, 35, enters as the reigning middleweight champion with a record of 31-7-0. The American fighter out of Xtreme Couture stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and is among the division's most active strikers, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute. His orthodox pressure style and relentless output made him a difficult puzzle for many opponents, and the UFC 328 result confirmed he presents the same challenge for Chimaev.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's social media message signals he may be abandoning a light-heavyweight move and committing to a middleweight rematch
- A second fight between the number-one contender and the reigning champion would be an immediate title-shot scenario
- The stylistic contrast is stark: Chimaev's elite wrestling against Strickland's high-volume striking and championship experience
- Any official booking has yet to be confirmed, leaving the situation fluid despite the public callout
