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9 clusters · 28 sources · 64 days · First seen · Last updated
UFC middleweight contention and Chimaev's RAF wrestling
Overview
UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev is seeking a return to the Octagon following his split-decision loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328. While Chimaev initially considered moving to the light heavyweight division, he has since pivoted back to the middleweight division, stating an intention to clear out the contenders. Chimaev has used social media to call for action from UFC matchmakers, naming several potential opponents including Dricus Du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho. He remains interested in a rematch with Strickland, though rumors suggest the champion may instead defend his title against Imavov in December.
Chimaev has disclosed significant health struggles, revealing he is missing half of his thyroid gland and has undergone six surgeries. He issued an ultimatum, stating he will take a fighting hiatus if he is not booked for a bout by December 2026 to prioritize medical treatment.
Parallel to his UFC ambitions, Chimaev has competed in the Real American Freestyle (RAF) promotion. After defeating Gilbert Burns via technical fall at RAF 13, he secured an 11-0 technical fall victory over Robbie Lawler at RAF 14 on October 23. Following the Lawler bout, Chimaev announced a crossover championship match against Colby Covington scheduled for November 14 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Regarding the matchup, Chimaev dismissed claims of friendship with Covington, stating, “I’m not here to make a friend … I have my brothers with me.”
Entities
Khamzat Chimaev · UFC · Nassourdine Imavov · Sean Strickland · RAF
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Khamzat Chimaev has called out Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho for potential fights.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Khamzat Chimaev lost his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 via split decision.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Sean Strickland is the current UFC middleweight champion.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Khamzat Chimaev will take a hiatus from fighting if he is not booked for a bout by December.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Chimaev has undergone six surgeries and has been under anesthesia seven times.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Chimaev revealed he is missing half of his thyroid gland.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Chimaev lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland via split decision at UFC 328 in May.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sean Strickland is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Chimaev requested a fight in Abu Dhabi but received no response from the UFC.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Khamzat Chimaev holds a professional record of 15-1.
Timeline
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[SPORTS] 3 sourcesKhamzat Chimaev defeats Robbie Lawler at RAF 14
Khamzat Chimaev defeated Robbie Lawler via an 11-0 technical fall at RAF 14 in Las Vegas, setting up a November title match against Colby Covington in Abu Dhabi.
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[SPORTS] 2 sourcesRobbie Lawler prepares for wrestling match against Khamzat Chimaev
Former UFC champion Robbie Lawler is preparing for a high-stakes wrestling match against Khamzat Chimaev at RAF 14 in Las Vegas on October 23.
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[SPORTS] 2 sourcesKhamzat Chimaev to face Robbie Lawler at RAF 14
Khamzat Chimaev will face former UFC champion Robbie Lawler in a catchweight wrestling match at RAF 14 in Las Vegas on October 23.
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[SPORTS] 8 sourcesColby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev win at RAF 13 in Miami
Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev secured dominant technical fall victories at RAF 13 in Miami, sparking discussions regarding a potential future matchup between the two fighters.
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[SPORTS] 2 sourcesKhamzat Chimaev sets UFC fight deadline amid health concerns
Khamzat Chimaev has set a December 2026 deadline for a UFC fight, threatening a hiatus to address health issues. Meanwhile, Gilbert Burns advised Chimaev to find coaching stability to reclaim gold.
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[SPORTS] 8 sourcesKhamzat Chimaev threatens fighting hiatus if no bout booked by December
Khamzat Chimaev has threatened to take a fighting hiatus if the UFC does not book him a match by December, citing the need to address multiple injuries and serious health issues.
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[SPORTS] 11 sourcesKhamzat Chimaev eyes return to UFC middleweight division
Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev seeks a return to action, eyeing potential matchups with Caio Borralho or a rematch with Sean Strickland following his recent title loss.
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[SPORTS] 10 sourcesKhamzat Chimaev calls out top middleweights for UFC return
Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has called out Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho as he prepares for his return to the octagon.
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[SPORTS] 2 sourcesBo Nickal calls for UFC fight against Khamzat Chimaev
UFC middleweight Bo Nickal has called for a fight against Khamzat Chimaev, stating he prefers a UFC matchup over a wrestling match in the RAF promotion.
Sources
agfight.com · bjpenn.com · boxemag.com · boxingnews.com · esportenewsmundo.com.br · essentiallysports.com · heavy.com · hindi.sportskeeda.com · inthecage.pl · jajce-online.com · kimura.se · lowkickmma.com · lowking.pl · middleeasy.com · mma.pl · mmafighting.com · spacemoney.com.br · sport.aktuality.sk · sportal.bg · sportskeeda.com · sportsport.ba · sundayguardianlive.com · thebodylockmma.com · thebusinesshop.com · thelocalreport.in · theshieldofsports.news · ufight.gr · world-today-journal.com
This summary has been updated 12 times: see revision history