Khamzat Chimaev is ready to step back into the octagon whenever the UFC offers him a fight. The 15-1 MMA fighter (9-1 in the UFC) has been inactive since he narrowly lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland by split decision at UFC 328—an outcome Chimaev believes was questionable. Since then, he has pushed for a rematch and expressed interest in facing several top contenders, but has yet to receive a response.
“Hopefully it happens soon, but it’s not up to me right now,” Chimaev told MMA Junkie. “Whenever the UFC contacts me and asks if I’m ready, I’ll fight anyone.” Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) is slated for a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov, though their bout has been postponed following Strickland’s public complaints about his pay.
Chimaev commented on Strickland’s situation, saying, “He’s always complaining about something, so I’m just staying prepared. I don’t know what will happen next. Maybe the UFC wants me to face the winner of that fight, and either way, I want my belt back very soon. If it happens quickly, so will my return.”
In the meantime, Chimaev has remained active by competing in wrestling, including a crossover cruiserweight title match against Colby Covington at the RAF event on November 14 in Abu Dhabi. When asked about his next steps, Chimaev firmly believes he deserves an immediate shot at regaining his middleweight championship.
“It should be the winner because I’m the No. 1 contender, and I didn’t lose that match,” he declared. “People say I lost, but I’m the real champion.”
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Fan Take: This development keeps one of the UFC’s most exciting fighters in the spotlight and maintains tension around the middleweight division’s title picture. Chimaev’s confidence and eagerness to return could set up a highly anticipated matchup that combats the growing frustration over judging decisions, potentially energizing the sport’s competitive landscape.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
