Chimaev's four UFC return targets all unavailable, future unclear

Khamzat Chimaev's path back to the UFC octagon has hit a significant roadblock, with the promotion confirming that all four fighters the Chechen-Swedish contender recently called out are currently unavailable.

Chimaev, who dropped the middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May, has publicly stated he is ready to fight anyone and wants to return as soon as possible. Instead, he finds himself without a dance partner. Caio Borralho and Dricus du Plessis are both sidelined with injuries, and Nassourdine Imavov is expected to be announced as the next middleweight title challenger, setting up a bout with Strickland rather than Chimaev.

Strickland, now 31 and 7 at 35 years old, reclaimed — or claimed — middleweight gold and continues to operate out of Xtreme Couture. The American champion throws an exceptionally high volume of strikes at 6.04 significant strikes per minute and holds a 76-inch reach at six-foot-one.

Du Plessis, ranked second in the middleweight division and seventh pound-for-pound, brings a 24 and 3 record into his recovery. The South African is 32 years old and fights out of a switch stance, landing 5.21 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach as well.

Borralho, ranked fifth at middleweight, sits at 18 and 2 and carries a striking accuracy of 56 percent — among the highest in the division. The 33-year-old Brazilian southpaw also averages 1.28 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat when healthy.

Why it matters

• Chimaev is a former title holder without a next opponent, leaving his immediate future genuinely uncertain
• Du Plessis and Borralho ranked in the top five, their absences shrink the realistic pool of high-profile matchups considerably
• Imavov moving toward a title shot further closes off the top of the division for Chimaev in the short term
• How the UFC navigates the logjam at 185 pounds will shape the entire division's landscape heading into late 2026