Khamzat Chimaev calls out top middleweights for UFC return

Khamzat Chimaev UFC middleweight division Sean Strickland mixed martial arts

Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has expressed his readiness to return to the octagon, calling out several top contenders as he awaits a potential rematch with champion Sean Strickland.

Following his first career loss to Strickland at UFC 328, Chimaev has pivoted from his initial plan to move to the light heavyweight division. Instead, he has used social media to demand action from UFC matchmakers, naming four specific opponents: current champion Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho.

Strickland is currently recovering from a shoulder injury, leaving Chimaev's immediate timeline uncertain. While a direct rematch remains a possibility, Chimaev appears open to facing other ranked middleweights to maintain activity while the champion recovers.

Entities

Dricus du Plessis · Khamzat Chimaev · Nassourdine Imavov · Sean Strickland · UFC

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Sean Strickland is the current UFC middleweight champion. boxingnews.com · www.bjpenn.com · www.lowkickmma.com · sport.aktuality.sk
[● 4 SOURCES] Khamzat Chimaev has called out Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho for potential fights. boxingnews.com · www.bjpenn.com · www.lowkickmma.com · sport.aktuality.sk
[● 2 SOURCES] Sean Strickland is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. boxingnews.com · www.bjpenn.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Khamzat Chimaev holds a professional record of 15-1. boxingnews.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Khamzat Chimaev lost his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 via split decision. boxingnews.com · www.bjpenn.com · www.lowkickmma.com · sport.aktuality.sk