Khamzat Chimaev appears to have changed his mind about moving up in weight class. He wrote to Sean Strickland that they will see each other again soon. This suggests Chimaev may be considering a rematch or staying at his current weight rather than moving up. The post does not provide additional context about Chimaev's previous plans or official statements. The message implies potential future matchup between the two fighters.
Khamzat Chimaev appears to have walked back any plans to move up in weight class, posting a message directed at Sean Strickland that the two will "see each other soon" — a signal, though unconfirmed, that a middleweight rematch could be in the works.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," carries a 15-1-0 record and sits at number one in the middleweight rankings, also placing tenth on the pound-for-pound list. The 30-year-old fighting out of the UAE and Allstars Training Center is one of the division's most dangerous all-around threats, landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 60 percent accuracy while also averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. His submission rate of 1.8 attempts per 15 minutes further underscores just how complete his game is at 185 pounds.
Standing across from him in this reported scenario is the reigning middleweight champion, Sean "Tarzan" Strickland. The 35-year-old American out of Xtreme Couture holds a 31-7-0 record and is one of the most active strikers in the division, pouring out 6.04 significant strikes per minute. At six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, Strickland has built his reign on relentless volume and durability.
Why it matters
- A rematch between the division's top-ranked contender and its reigning champion carries title implications at the highest level of middleweight competition.
- Chimaev's apparent decision to stay at middleweight, if confirmed, removes him from any rumored move to light heavyweight and keeps the 185-pound title picture sharply in focus.
- The stylistic contrast is stark — Chimaev's elite grappling and takedown volume against Strickland's high-output striking and championship experience.
The social media message has not been backed by any official announcement, and the matchup should be treated as unconfirmed until further word from the UFC or either fighter's camp.
