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Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev wants to return in October and has already had a conversation with Hunter Campbell regarding the same.
Chimaev lost his title to Sean Strickland earlier this year at UFC 328 by split decision. “Borz” initially wanted to move up to 205 pounds, but after the title loss, he had to reset his goals. The Chechen-born Emirati now wants to reclaim the middleweight title and clear the 185-pound division before thinking about two-division glory.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – MAY 09: (R-L) Sean Strickland punches Khamzat Chimaev of Russia in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026, in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Chimaev wanted to run it back with champion Sean Strickland, but currently “Tarzan” is expected to defend his title against top contender Nassourdine Imavov. If Strickland vs. Imavov 2 happens later this year, Chimaev has stated that he does not mind waiting, as “The Sniper” deserves a title shot, and the latter has waited long enough for the same.
During an interview with Red Corner MMA, Chimaev revealed that he has spoken to UFC CBO Campbell about his potential next fight. “Borz” wants to return in October, but ranked contenders like Caio Borralho or Dricus du Plessis are injured. He said:
“It doesn’t matter to me. I call out everyone. I want to come back as soon as possible. Earlier I said that I wanted to return in October. And I called Hunter [Campbell]; they told me that Caio [Borralho] and [Dricus] Du Plessis are injured.”
Khamzat Chimaev does not know who he will face next. In the same interview, he also added:
“We’ll see what happens. I don’t know exactly. Maybe Imavov and Strickland won’t fight. And I’ll be ready.”
Check out Khamzat Chimaev’s comments below:
🚨Khamzat Chimaev says he won’t face either Caio Borralho or Dricus Du Plessis in his next fight. Talking to Red Corner MMA after his RAF victory in Moscow, Borz expressed hope of facing Sean Strickland or Nassourdine Imavov if their fight falls through. pic.twitter.com/noOlM7russ
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 6, 2026Khamzat Chimaev talks about impending RAF 13 Gilbert Burns matchup
After pinning Tyron Woodley in under 2 minutes at RAF Moscow, “Borz” now has his crosshairs on former UFC opponent Gilbert Burns. Chimaev and Burns will meet again at RAF 13 later this month. Talking about this upcoming freestyle wrestling match, “Borz” added during the aforementioned interview:
“Burns is a good wrestler and a good jiu-jitsu athlete. We fought a couple of years ago, and he defended pretty well. We’ll see how he does now.”
Check out Khamzat Chimaev’s comments below:
Khamzat Chimaev says his former UFC opponent, Gilbert Burns, will be a tough test when they meet again at RAF 13 in Miami on September 18, adding that he’s interested to see how Burns performs this time around in wrestling.
“Burns is a good wrestler and a good jiu-jitsu athlete.… pic.twitter.com/y9wIDWhBze
Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.
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