Khamzat Chimaev has issued a fresh call for his return to competition, naming Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho as potential opponents.
The former UFC middleweight champion has been seeking another meeting with Strickland since losing the title to the American in his first defence at UFC 328 in May. The defeat was the first of Chimaev’s professional mixed martial arts career.
“I’m ready,” said Chimaev on Twitter, as noted by MMA Fighting. “Let me know when you are ready Sean, Dricus [du Plessis], Nassourdine [Imavov], Caio [Borralho].”
While Strickland appears to remain Chimaev’s preferred opponent, there are several other leading contenders in the middleweight division who could provide the opposition for his return. Imavov has strengthened his case for a championship opportunity after earning a dominant decision victory against Borralho at UFC Paris last September.
Du Plessis, meanwhile, has returned to winning ways since surrendering the middleweight championship to Chimaev in a one-sided decision at UFC 319 last year. The South African defeated former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City in July. Borralho has also rebounded following his defeat to Imavov, recording a clear-cut victory against Reinier de Ridder at UFC 326 in March. No opponent or date has yet been confirmed for Chimaev’s return to the Octagon.
