Chimaev hints at Strickland rematch, may reconsider weight move

Khamzat Chimaev appears to be walking back his plans to move up to light heavyweight, sending a public message to middleweight champion Sean Strickland following his loss at UFC 328 on May 9 that suggests a rematch is on his mind.

Chimaev wrote to Strickland that they would see each other again soon — a brief but pointed message that signals the 30-year-old may prefer to chase redemption at middleweight rather than immediately seek a fresh start in a new division. The note marks a notable shift from earlier statements in which Chimaev had indicated he was considering a move to 205 pounds.

Strickland, now 31-7, holds the middleweight title at 35 years old and continues to be one of the division's most active strikers, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach that helps him dictate range. The American, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, has built his game around high-volume output and pressure.

Chimaev enters the rematch conversation at 15-1, with that sole loss now coming against Strickland. The 32-year-old from the UAE is ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth pound-for-pound, and his statistical profile centers on grappling dominance — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a 60 percent striking accuracy that ranks among the best in the sport. He trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden.

Why it matters

• Chimaev is the top-ranked middleweight contender, making a rematch the most logical title fight in the division
• A reversal on the weight-class move keeps one of the UFC's biggest stars at 185 pounds
• The stylistic contrast — Strickland's striking volume against Chimaev's elite wrestling — gives a rematch clear competitive intrigue