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Khamzat Chimaev still considers himself to be the UFC middleweight champion despite dropping a decision to Sean Strickland back in May.
Chimaev and Strickland collided in the UFC 328 main event in Newark. “Borz” and Strickland went back and forth for five rounds before Strickland was awarded with the split nod. This made Strickland a two-time UFC middleweight titleholder, and it ended up being the first loss in Chimaev’s pro MMA career.
Much has been made over what’s next in the 185-pound title picture amid Strickland’s gripes with the UFC brass over pay. Speaking to Farah Hannoun of MMAJunkie.com, Chimaev blasted Strickland for stalling his next title fight.
“He’s always crying about something, so I’m just being ready,” Chimaev said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. Maybe the UFC wants me to face the winner of the fight, so I just want to take my belt back very soon. If it happens soon, I’m going to fight soon, as well.”
Chimaev then doubled down on his belief that he should’ve been awarded the decision win over Strickland on the night they fought in Newark. “Borz” is eyeing the winner of a potential rematch between Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov.
“It should be the winner because I’m the No. 1 contender, and I didn’t lose that match,” Chimaev said. “People say I lost the match, but I’m the real champion.”
As Chimaev mentioned, his next bout isn’t known at this time. “Borz” initially told UFC CEO Dana White that he planned on moving to the light heavyweight division, but he changed his tune in short order and will be sticking around at middleweight. Strickland vs. Imavov 2 is reportedly being targeted for Feb. 2027, so Chimaev might find himself waiting for the winner.
Do you think Khamzat Chimaev gets the winner of Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov, or could he possibly cut in front of Imavov for a rematch? Sound off in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
