Chimaev On Strickland's Rumored Next Title Defense

Khamzat Chimaev is content to wait for his next middleweight title shot, even if it means watching Sean Strickland defend against Nassourdine Imavov first.

Chimaev lost the 185-pound belt to Strickland at UFC 328 in May via split decision, the first defeat of his professional MMA career. Since then, his position on a rematch has shifted. While he initially demanded an immediate second fight with Strickland, the former champion now appears willing to take on other top contenders, according to BJPenn.com.

Chimaev Welcomes Strickland vs. Imavov Title Fight

Responding to rumors of a December title bout between Strickland and Imavov, Chimaev told Ushatayka he has no issue with the matchup. "There's no surprise," he said, per footage posted by Home of Fight. "How long has Imavov been waiting now? He's already the contender. Whoever wins, we'll take him."

The statement marks a notable change from Chimaev's earlier stance. UFC CEO Dana White told media members after UFC 328 that Chimaev informed him he was done at middleweight and ready to move up a weight class. By late summer, however, Chimaev was publicly calling out multiple 185-pound contenders on social media, including Imavov, Caio Borralho, and Dricus du Plessis.

Imavov has been waiting in the wings as the division's top contender after a string of wins, while Chimaev's immediate booking remains unclear. If the rumored Strickland-Imavov fight materializes, it would likely take place before the end of the year.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Khamzat Chimaev reacts to rumors of Sean Strickland vs. Nassourine Imavov 2: “Whoever wins, we’ll take him”