Overview
- Khamzat Chimaev said he will follow Sean Strickland to light heavyweight or heavyweight to force a rematch after defeating Robbie Lawler at Real American Freestyle 14 this week.
- Chimaev lost the UFC middleweight title to Strickland by split decision at UFC 328 in May, a close result that has fueled calls for an immediate rematch.
- No rematch has been announced and the division is stalled while Strickland negotiates pay and contract terms with the UFC, a dispute that has delayed a planned bout with Nassourdine Imavov.
- Chimaev is not booked for a UFC fight and has fought infrequently since 2022, which could make the promotion require another convincing win before granting a title shot.
- If the UFC wants the division moving, it will need to resolve the champion’s contract issue or reshuffle opponents, so the next developments to watch are contract talks, any formal booking for Strickland, and whether the promotion grants Chimaev an immediate rematch.