Hamzat Chimaev has stated that his loss to Sean Strickland was purely a judges' decision and that he is eager for a rematch. Chimaev said Strickland has been avoiding the gym and citing a shoulder injury as an excuse. The Chechen-born contender added that he is waiting for UFC brass Dana White and Hunter Campbell to bring Strickland back into the cage.
Hamzat Chimaev has publicly called out Sean Strickland for a rematch, insisting that his recent loss to the middleweight champion was a product of the judges' scorecards and nothing more.
Chimaev made clear he believes the result did not reflect what happened inside the cage, and he is now pushing UFC leadership — specifically Dana White and Hunter Campbell — to book the fight again. The Chechen-born contender also took aim at Strickland directly, claiming the champion has been staying out of the gym and using a shoulder injury as cover.
Strickland, 35, holds a 31-7-0 professional record and currently sits atop the middleweight division. The American fighter out of Xtreme Couture is known for his relentless output, averaging an exceptional 6.04 significant strikes landed per minute with a six-foot-one frame and a 76-inch reach. His orthodox striking style and forward pressure have defined his run to the top of the 185-pound class.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's public pressure campaign puts the UFC's matchmakers in a difficult position with the middleweight title picture already crowded.
- A rematch would carry significant divisional weight, with Chimaev arguing the first result was incorrect and Strickland's status as champion on the line.
- Strickland's alleged shoulder issue, if legitimate, could delay any return and open the door for other contenders to jump the queue.
- The war of words adds a personal edge to what was already a high-stakes stylistic clash between two aggressive, durable competitors.
