Khamzat Demands Strickland Rematch: "Don't Run!"

Khamzat Chimaev appears to have his sights firmly set on a UFC Middleweight Championship rematch against Sean Strickland.

Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) claimed the belt and ended Chimaev's (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) undefeated status at UFC 328 in May. He secured a split decision victory, becoming a two-time champion in the 185-pound division.

Following the bout, UFC CEO Dana White revealed that Chimaev had expressed his intention to move up to the light heavyweight division while still in the octagon. However, "Borz" quickly changed his tune and began campaigning for an immediate rematch with Strickland.

Strickland recently announced that he wouldn't be ready to fight before December due to ongoing injuries. This has clearly tested Chimaev's patience, who took to social media on Monday to urge the champion to be ready sooner.

At present, it's unclear whether Chimaev's insistence on a rematch with Strickland has the backing of UFC management, or if the champion is willing to accept the fight.

Nassourdine Imavov (17-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) also presents a strong case for a shot at Strickland's belt, thanks to his impressive six-fight unbeaten streak in the octagon.

Strickland already holds a unanimous decision victory over Imavov in a short-notice catchweight bout from January 2023. This puts Imavov in a similar position to Chimaev, as both have a loss to the current champion.