Chimaev Names Four UFC Targets After Strickland Loss

Khamzat Chimaev listed four potential opponents for his next fight Sunday, drawing an immediate response from Caio Borralho.

Chimaev lost his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland in May after fading badly in the second round. The former champion posted on X that he wants to face Strickland in a rematch, Dricus Du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov or Borralho next. "I'm ready. Let me know when you are ready Sean, Dricus, Nassourdine, Caio," he wrote, per Sherdog.

Borralho Offers November or December Dates

Borralho jumped on the callout minutes later, proposing Madison Square Garden in November or T-Mobile Arena in December as possible venues. "Finally someone called my name!" he responded. "My brother u know I love you, and I'm ready MSG November or T Mobile December! Just let me know."

Imavov is viewed as the most logical title challenger but already has a loss to Strickland on his record. Du Plessis holds two wins over Strickland and beat Kamaru Usman in his last outing but was dominated by Chimaev when they met last year. Borralho has won eight of nine UFC fights since earning his contract on Dana White's Contender Series, with his only loss coming against Imavov.

The UFC has not announced when Chimaev will return or which opponent the promotion favors. Both Borralho and Imavov are expected to compete before the end of 2026.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Khamzat Chimaev names 4 UFC targets, Caio Borralho answers the call