Sean Strickland shocked the MMA world at UFC 328 after reclaiming the UFC middleweight title. The outspoken American secured a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev in a closely contested title fight.
After the defeat, uncertainty surrounded whether Chimaev would pursue a rematch or move to light heavyweight. However, comments from Chimaev's team have now provided insight regarding his future.
Chimaev looked completely different against Strickland at UFC 328 despite entering as the defending champion. While he found success early, 'Borz' appeared lost during the later championship rounds. Surprisingly, the Chechen phenom kept the fight standing for long stretches instead of relying heavily on wrestling. Chimaev also struggled on the ground despite landing nine of his 13 takedown attempts.
After the fight, Chimaev appeared disappointed following the first loss of his professional career. He also looked visibly drained after the loss to Strickland at UFC 328. Many believed the difficult weight cut played a major role in his performance. Following the loss, many expected Chimaev to move to light heavyweight, although recent comments from his team to ESPN's Brett Okamoto suggest otherwise.
The rematch with Sean Strickland is the only fight that Khamzat wants, he is obsessed with it. That's the only fight he will accept right now. We've requested a rematch. There's an event in Abu Dhabi in October and we want to do it there. We want the second fight. Right now we have no other goals. There was a problem with the weight cut. The question became whether to cancel the fight or take the risk. When there was 1.2 kg left, his body shut down. Oxygen deprivation. His body malfunctioned. Khamzat himself said he didn't know how he'd fight in that condition.
Brett Okamoto's comments after talking to Khamzat Chimaev's teamChimaev's weight became a major controversial talking point throughout fight week leading into UFC 328 against Strickland. At the official weigh-ins, he appeared visibly weak and drained, and struggled to step onto the scale, even after weighing in last. It was later revealed by teammate and UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan that 'Borz' was cutting up to 21 kilograms to make the championship limit.
This revelation from Chimaev's team is surprising, given the Chechen contender's long-standing desire to compete at light heavyweight. Dana Whitepreviously stated that Chimaev had asked him about moving up for his next fight. Chimaev himself has also been vocal about a potential move to 205 pounds to eventually face Alex Pereira. However, the Brazilian star has now moved up to the heavyweight division.
Khamzat Chimaev's future remains a major talking point following his loss to Strickland at UFC 328. The former champion's brother, Artur Chimaev, later revealed that Khamzat was willing to move up a division to face former champion Jiri Prochazka. However, he added that the UFC considered Sean Strickland the necessary matchup after his win at UFC Houston. It remains to be seen what is next for 'Borz'.
RAF has rapidly emerged as a growing force in combat sports, reshaping the wrestling scene under Chad Bronstein's leadership. The promotion has gained traction through high-level athletes and competitive matchups. It has strengthened its profile with names such as Bo Nickal, Luke Rockhold, and Colby Covington. RAF is now set for another major step forward with Khamzat Chimaev confirmed for his debut.
Chimaev's RAF debut is scheduled for RAF 10 on June 13 in St. Louis at the Chaifetz Arena. He is set to compete in a high-profile wrestling bout against Dillon Danis in the main event. The matchup marks Chimaev's first appearance in a grappling-focused promotion after his UFC run. The card also features his teammate Arman Tsarukyan, who is taking on Tony Ferguson as the co-main event attraction.
The Chechen phenom's move into the RAF has already generated buzz across the wrestling landscape, drawing interest from elite competitors. Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyderhas also publicly called out Chimaev, adding another potential high-profile matchup to the conversation. The pairing would represent one of the most significant crossovers between Olympic wrestling and MMA-style grappling competition.
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