# UFC middleweight division contention

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ufc-middleweight-division-contention
> Updated: 2026-09-03T01:47:46.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

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. 

Reflecting on his recent defeat, Chimaev admitted to making mistakes and hinted at challenges regarding injuries and weight cutting. Before his next UFC appearance, Chimaev is scheduled to compete in a wrestling match against Tyron Woodley at RAF Moscow.

In the midst of these developments, middleweight prospect Bo Nickal has expressed interest in fighting Chimaev, stating that a UFC matchup should take precedence over wrestling matches in the Real American Freestyle (RAF) promotion. Nickal described Chimaev as “one of the best in the world and a highly talented fighter.”

Chimaev has recently signaled his readiness to return by specifically calling out top-10 ranked contender Caio Borralho. Borralho has expressed mutual interest, suggesting the bout could occur during a November event in New York City or a December event in Las Vegas.

## Claims

- Khamzat Chimaev has called out Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho for potential fights. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Khamzat Chimaev lost his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 via split decision. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Sean Strickland is the current UFC middleweight champion. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Sean Strickland is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Khamzat Chimaev holds a professional record of 15-1. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Khamzat 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.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/khamzat-chimaev-calls-out-caio-borralho-for-ufc-return

### 2026-08-31: Khamzat 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.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/khamzat-chimaev-calls-out-top-middleweights-for-ufc-return

### 2026-08-22: Bo 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bo-nickal-calls-for-ufc-fight-against-khamzat-chimaev

---
Cite as: UFC middleweight division contention. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ufc-middleweight-division-contention