After losing his undefeated streak to Sean Strickland at UFC 328, Khamzat Chimaev is determined to get a rematch for the middleweight title. Despite his repeated requests, the Tarzan’s camp has passed him over. He currently holds no official fight booking from the promotion. To stay sharp, the former champion has been competing in the Russian Wrestling Federation (RAF).
But his primary goal remains stalking Strickland, even though the middleweight champion is currently refusing to compete until his ongoing contract disputes with the UFC are fully resolved. Amid this chaotic middleweight logjam, Chimaev has spelled out exactly how far he is willing to go to get the new back in the cage.
Khamzat Chimaev Vows to Follow Sean Strickland Up the Weight Classes
“Borz” recently told Red Corner MMA on X that he will chase Sean Strickland into any division — not just 185 pounds — insisting that a rematch is inevitable.
He made these remarks following his dominant freestyle wrestling performance at the RAF 14 wrestling event in Las Vegas, where he defeated former UFC champion Robbie Lawler by an 11-0 Technical Fall in the very first period.
“We will make the matchup. Don’t worry. Light heavyweight, heavyweight, wherever he goes, we go after him. I’m the hunter. He’s a chicken running away,” Chimaev stated.
Khamzat Chimaev says he’s willing to chase down Sean Strickland wherever the middleweight champion’s next move is
“We will make the matchup. Don’t worry. Light heavyweight, heavyweight, wherever he goes, we go after him. I’m the hunter. He’s a chicken running away,” he told Red Corner MMA.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 26, 2026
This callout is a major shift for Chimaev. Right after their close fight in Newark, where “Tarzan” survived early wrestling pressure to win a split decision, UFC CEO Dana White said Chimaev had a brutal weight cut and wanted to move to light heavyweight permanently. But then he changed his mind and said he would follow Strickland to any weight class to get that rematch.
Strickland’s contract dispute with the UFC gives “Borz” an advantage. The 35-year-old is frustrated with his pay, has talked about leaving the promotion, and says he no longer cares about MMA. Reports show the UFC rejected his demand for more money to fight Nassourdine Imavov. White noted that Strickland signed a new contract in May and still has five fights left.
Because Strickland’s financial demands have paused the middleweight division, Chimaev is competing in freestyle wrestling to stay active. He will face Colby Covington at RAF Abu Dhabi on Nov. 14. He seems to keep taking wrestling matches until the UFC resolves the middleweight title situation and books his next fight.
