[REVISION HISTORY]

UFC middleweight contention and Chimaev's RAF wrestling

Updated 12 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-16 06:39 UTC → 2026-10-24 08:44 UTC · added ~~removed~~

UFC middleweight ~~division~~ contention and Chimaev's RAF wrestling

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. He~~ has ~~since~~ disclosed significant health struggles, revealing he is missing half of his thyroid ~~gland. Chimaev further detailed a history of physical complications, noting he~~ gland and has undergone six ~~surgeries and has frequently competed while managing various physical problems.~~ surgeries. He ~~has~~ issued an ultimatum, stating he will take a fighting hiatus if he is not booked for a bout by December ~~2026, prioritizing~~ 2026 to prioritize medical ~~treatment if no matchup materializes. Recently, Chimaev suggested a potential wrestling match against Colby Covington in Abu Dhabi. At the RAF 13 event in Miami,~~ treatment. Parallel to his UFC ambitions, Chimaev has competed in ~~a catchweight wrestling match,~~ the Real American Freestyle (RAF) promotion. After defeating Gilbert Burns via a technical fall. Following the victory, Chimaev expressed interest in a future matchup against Covington. Regarding his physical state, Chimaev noted that recurring hand and knee issues may require a break from hard sparring. Chimaev is now scheduled to face former UFC welterweight champion fall at RAF 13, he secured an 11-0 technical fall victory over Robbie Lawler ~~in a catchweight wrestling match~~ at RAF 14 on October ~~23 in Las Vegas. Lawler has addressed~~ 23. Following the Lawler bout, ~~stating he does~~ 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 ~~consider himself an underdog.~~ here to make a friend … I have my brothers with me.”

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