Khamzat Chimaev appears to be done waiting on Sean Strickland. Two days after listing four possible opponents on social media, the former middleweight champion narrowed his focus to one name, signaling he’s ready to move forward with his return to the Octagon regardless of what happens with the belt.
Khamzat Chimaev Sends Clear Signal to Caio Borralho
Khamzat Chimaev’s shocking middleweight pivot follows months of deep frustration stemming from his first career loss at UFC 328. He entered the octagon as a heavy favorite to defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland. However, the fight resulted in a highly competitive split-decision victory for Strickland (47–48, 48–47, 48–47), ending Chimaev’s championship reign during his first defense.
Following the upset, Chimaev aggressively called out the new champion on social media, insisting that there was unfinished business left inside the Octagon. However, Strickland and his camp shut down the demands at every turn.
With Strickland recovering from a shoulder injury and looking at other opponents for a late-year return, Chimaev stopped waiting for a fight that was not going to happen. Then on Tuesday, he dropped a one-word post, writing, “Caio 🫡.”
Caio 🫡
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) September 2, 2026
Before the post, he listed Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho as opponents he would take next, writing on X that he was ready and just needed a green light.
Borralho was the only one of the four to respond immediately, replying, “Finally someone called my name! My brother u know I love you, and I’m ready MSG November or T Mobile December! Just let me know.”
Chimaev’s cryptic post seems to confirm he is targeting Borralho for his next fight. However, this also creates plenty of speculation, since Chimaev and Dana White had a conversation about changing divisions after losing his belt at UFC 328.
The 32-year-old had endured a brutal weight cut for that fight, which caused him to fade heavily in the later rounds, so White publicly backed his move to the 205-pound light heavyweight division.
His coaches and management echoed this for months, insisting a return to middleweight was off the table for health reasons. By suddenly targeting Borralho, Chimaev completely contradicts his own team and the explicit plans he gave to White, leaving the entire middleweight division confused about what he actually plans to do next.
Khamzat Chimaev Stays Active Ahead of Proposed Winter Bout
Borralho proposed fighting at either UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden in November or UFC 335 at T-Mobile Arena in December, and Chimaev’s response signals he is on board as well.
To stay sharp while waiting for the UFC to make a decision, Chimaev is competing heavily in Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling. Following a recent win over Dillon Danis at RAF 10, he is scheduled to headline RAF Moscow against Tyron Woodley on Saturday and wrestle Gilbert Burns at RAF 13 in Florida on Sept. 18.
This active wrestling schedule keeps the former champion in competitive shape. The UFC has not confirmed the matchup yet, but with both fighters publicly agreeing, Chimaev vs. Borralho gives the promotion an easy option to make their face-off happen inside the Octagon
