Khamzat Chimaev Claims Sean Strickland Is Running From UFC Rematch

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khamzat Chimaev (@khamzat_chimaev)

The ongoing feud over the UFC middleweight crown has escalated with a targeted social media campaign. Former 185-pound champion Khamzat Chimaev used his official Instagram account to launch a direct public challenge at the man who took his belt, current champion Sean Strickland. To make his intentions undeniable to fight fans, the elite wrestler published a multi-slide post featuring a gallery of photos taken directly from their recent championship battle.

The social media update combined vivid visual reminders of their cage war with a brief, aggressive caption. Chimaev posted the words, "Someone is running, I'm ready, just tell me where and when and I'll be there." By pairing this message directly with multiple images of himself striking and wrestling Strickland, Chimaev made it entirely clear who he was accusing of avoiding the rematch. 

This public push stems from their razor-thin encounter at UFC 328 in Newark, where Strickland won a highly debated split decision to capture the world title. That defeat marked the very first loss of Chimaev's professional career, leaving his record at 15-1. While initial reports speculated that Chimaev might move up to the light heavyweight division, this new photo-filled post confirms he is entirely focused on revenge. Strickland has mentioned making his next title defense later this winter, but he has not signed a contract, leaving the door wide open for Chimaev to force a second fight.