Khamzat Chimaev‘s full intentions appear focused on a UFC middleweight title rematch with Sean Strickland.
Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) took Chimaev’s (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) belt and undefeated record at UFC 328 in May with a split decision triumph that made him a two-time champ at 185 pounds.
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UFC CEO Dana White told MMA Junkie post-fight that Chimaev said in the octagon that he was moving up to light heavyweight next, but “The Wolf” quickly changed his tune and began campaigning to run it back with Strickland.
Strickland recently stated he would not be ready to fight before December due to lingering injuries, and that is apparently testing the patience of Chimaev, who took to social media on Monday and urged the champ to be ready sooner (via X):
It’s unknown at this time if Chimaev’s push to rematch Strickland has the support of the UFC brass, or a willingness from the champion’s side to accept.
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Nassourdine Imavov (17-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) has a strong argument to get the first crack at Strickland’s belt on the power of a six-fight unbeaten streak inside the octagon.
Strickland holds a unanimous decision win over Imavov in a short-notice catchweight bout in January 2023, so he faces equal standing with Chimaev in that they are both 0-1 against the champ.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Khamzat Chimaev pushes for Sean Strickland UFC title rematch: ‘Don’t run’
