Overview
- Khamzat Chimaev renewed his public rematch campaign on June 29 when he posted on X urging champion Sean Strickland to “accept the fight” and taunting that he would win.
- Chimaev lost the middleweight title to Strickland by split decision at UFC 328 on May 9, which was the first defeat of Chimaev’s professional career.
- UFC president Dana White has said the promotion has not decided whether to grant an immediate rematch, leaving the booking in limbo as Chimaev ramps up pressure.
- Sean Strickland has not responded to the latest callout and is reportedly rehabbing a shoulder injury with a target return around December, creating a practical barrier to an immediate rematch.
- Nassourdine Imavov, riding a multi-fight winning streak, is the sportingly logical next challenger and his claim contrasts with the commercial pull of a Chimaev–Strickland rematch, a choice that could shape the division’s trajectory.