Khamzat Chimaev Demands UFC Return and Names Four Potential Opponents

Middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev is making an aggressive push to return to the UFC octagon as quickly as possible. Following a major setback at UFC 328 in May, where he lost his championship bout and his perfect professional record to Sean Strickland, Chimaev issued a direct message to promotional executives stating that he is ready to compete again.

While the prominent wrestler is booked for a freestyle grappling match against veteran Tyron Woodley on September 5, his primary focus remains on elite mixed martial arts competition. Moving away from his initial stance of only demanding an immediate title rematch, Chimaev took to social media to call out four high-profile names in the 185-pound division.

His updated target list includes a second consecutive fight with the reigning champion Strickland, as well as matchups against former titleholder Dricus Du Plessis, dangerous contender Nassourdine Imavov, and rising star Caio Borralho. Currently, none of these specific middleweight athletes have an official bout scheduled.

While Imavov is actively campaigning for his own championship opportunity, Strickland is planning a winter title defense and has not completely ruled out giving Chimaev a chance to avenge his lone career defeat.