Khamzat Chimaev took to social media to address Sean Strickland after their recent bout. Chimaev wrote to Strickland that they will see each other again soon. The post sparked discussion among fans about whether a rematch is warranted or if Chimaev should move up to light heavyweight instead. The callout comes shortly after their fight at UFC 328, where the two middleweights competed for championship gold.
Khamzat Chimaev has publicly called out middleweight champion Sean Strickland on social media, warning the American that the two will meet again soon. The message came shortly after the pair competed for championship gold at UFC 328 and quickly set off debate among fans over whether a rematch makes sense or whether Chimaev should instead test himself at light heavyweight.
Strickland, known as "Tarzan," holds a 31-7-0 record and continues to reign as the UFC middleweight champion at 35 years old. The American, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and is one of the division's most active strikers, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute. He fights out of an orthodox stance and has proven consistently difficult to finish.
Chimaev, nicknamed "Borz," enters the picture as the number-one ranked middleweight and the tenth-ranked fighter pound-for-pound. The 32-year-old representing the United Arab Emirates carries a 15-1-0 record and trains at Allstars Training Center. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev is a dominant grappler, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes along with 1.8 submission attempts in that same span. His striking accuracy sits at a remarkable 60 percent, among the highest in the division.
Why it matters
- A rematch would pit the division's top-ranked contender directly against the reigning champion in an immediate return bout
- Chimaev's elite grappling output against Strickland's high-volume striking creates a compelling stylistic contrast
- The social media callout raises questions about whether Chimaev pursues gold at 185 pounds or moves up to test the light heavyweight division
