Chimaev Names Three Middleweight Targets For UFC Return

Khamzat Chimaev has named three middleweight contenders he wants to face while waiting for a rematch with champion Sean Strickland.

The former titleholder lost his belt to Strickland at UFC 328 earlier this year but has no timetable for a second fight. Strickland remains sidelined with a shoulder injury and has not announced a date for his first 185-pound title defense. With no guarantee he gets the next crack at the belt, Chimaev is expanding his hit list, according to MMA Mania.

Who Chimaev Wants Next At Middleweight

Chimaev called out three ranked middleweights: former opponent Dricus Du Plessis, rising contender Nassourdine Imavov, and undefeated prospect Joe Pyfer. Du Plessis fought Chimaev at UFC 319 last year in Chicago, where the Chechen wrestler dominated en route to capturing the title. Chimaev dropped the belt to Strickland in his first defense, then helped wrap the strap around Strickland's waist and hugged him repeatedly after the final bell.

The 32-year-old Chimaev holds a 15-1 record and sits at No. 1 in the official middleweight rankings. Du Plessis is ranked No. 2, Imavov No. 3, and Pyfer No. 4. Brendan Allen and Caio Borralho round out the top six.

Chimaev wrote on social media that he is ready to return. "I'm ready," he posted, per the report. No opponent has been finalized, but the call-outs suggest he plans to stay active at middleweight while Strickland recovers.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Restless Khamzat adds three top names to middleweight hit list for UFC return — ‘I’m ready’