Khamzat Chimaev vows to 'take his head off' in Strickland rematch

Khamzat Chimaev wants another crack at Sean Strickland and plans to stay at middleweight to get it.

The former UFC champion, who dropped a split decision to Strickland at UFC 328 in May, told reporters at Friday's RAF 10 press conference that he's not moving up to heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight despite speculation about the weight cut. According to MMA Fighting, Chimaev said he's waiting on UFC executives Dana White and Hunter Campbell to finalize the rematch.

Chimaev blames judges, promises finish

"Of course, I'm going to go rematch [Sean Strickland]," Chimaev said, per MMA Fighting. "I don't lose the fight, I lost for the judges. Next time, I'm going to go take his head off."

Chimaev reportedly struggled with conditioning at UFC 328 in Newark after a brutal weight cut, and Strickland controlled much of the fight on the feet to reclaim the middleweight title. The buildup featured enough bad blood that the UFC kept the fighters in separate locations before fight week.

Strickland later said his trash talk was meant to sell the fight. Chimaev said he's tried to get Strickland back in the gym but the champion has cited a shoulder issue.

Before the rematch materializes, Chimaev makes his wrestling debut Saturday at RAF 10 against Dillon Danis. He called the match a money fight while he waits for the UFC to book Strickland again.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Khamzat Chimaev definitely gunning for Sean Strickland rematch: ‘Next time, I’m going to go take his head off’