Chimaev signals potential rematch interest with Strickland message

Less than 24 hours after suffering the first loss of his professional career, Khamzat Chimaev sent a public message to UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland indicating the two men will meet again soon, suggesting the Borz may be reconsidering a move to light heavyweight in favor of pursuing a rematch.

Chimaev, 30 — now 15-1-0 — had previously floated the idea of stepping up to light heavyweight following the defeat at UFC 328 on May 9. The message to Strickland, delivered in a lighthearted tone, appears to walk that back. The Allstars Training Center product, who represents the United Arab Emirates, entered the contest ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth on the pound-for-pound list. He is one of the most efficient wrestlers in the sport, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, and his 60 percent striking accuracy ranks among the best in the game.

Strickland, 35, defended his middleweight title in the main event and now sits at 31-7-0. The American, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, is known for relentless volume striking, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach that allows him to operate effectively at range. He competes out of an orthodox stance and stands six-foot-one.

Why it matters

• A rematch would immediately headline a major pay-per-view, given Chimaev's status as the division's top contender.
• Chimaev's grappling-heavy style — nearly five and a half takedowns per 15 minutes — presents a stylistic puzzle for Strickland, whose defensive wrestling has now been tested at the highest level.
• If Chimaev formally requests the rematch, it would likely shelve any light heavyweight plans and keep the middleweight title picture intact heading into the second half of 2026.
• The tone of the message leaves the door open for the UFC to gauge Strickland's interest before any bout agreement is pursued.