“I’m ready”: Khamzat Chimaev calls out Sean Strickland and three middleweight contenders

Khamzat Chimaev lost his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May. The loss marked the first defeat of his career, and he doesn't want to be on a losing streak, as he has recently expressed eagerness to be back inside the octagon and has called out four potential opponents in the division.

Khamzat Chimaev calls out four middleweights after first career loss to Sean Strickland

Rumors were circulating that Chimaev is planning to move up to the light heavyweight division if he fails to secure an immediate rematch with Strickland. As many pundits believed, the devastating loss at UFC 328 was due in large part to a bad weight cut. 

However, in his latest X post, the Chechen-born has expressed intent to fight in the middleweight division and has called out Strickland, former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho. 

“I’m ready. let me know when you are ready, Sean, Dricus, Nassourdine, Caio,” Chimaev wrote. 

Check out Khamzat Chimaev’s X post below:

The message makes it clear that Chimaev is not limiting his options to a rematch with Strickland. While regaining the title remains an obvious path back to the top, the 185-pound division has several contenders who could provide him with a high-profile matchup.

Strickland could be the most logical target if the UFC decides to book an immediate rematch, but Du Plessis, Imavov, and Borralho would also present significant challenges. A victory over any of them could put Chimaev right back into title contention.

That said, it's unlikely that ‘Borz’ will get Du Plessis next, as he dominantly defeated the South African to win the title at UFC 319. Chimaev secured a 50-44 decision victory, and the UFC is unlikely to book a rematch between the two, especially considering that their first fight took place just over a year ago.

Suppose Chimaev doesn't get an immediate rematch against Strickland. The UFC probably books him against Imavov or Borralho, which could be a title eliminator. 

With his next UFC opponent still uncertain, Chimaev has not remained completely inactive since his first professional defeat. Instead, the former champion has kept himself busy through grappling competition. 

Khamzat Chimaev stays active with wrestling clash against Tyron Woodley

Since the loss, Chimaev has kept himself busy outside the UFC octagon; he has been actively competing in grappling matches. He will be in action against former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in RAF’s debut in Moscow, Russia, this weekend. 

This will be Chimaev’s second RAF outing. In his debut, he faced MMA fighter Dillon Danis. The match ended with a brawl breaking out as Danis tried to pull an illegal submission on ‘Borz’ and was disqualified.