Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is set to take a break from fighting if he does not get a fight booked before December.

Chimaev lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland by split decision at UFC 328. After the title loss, Chimaev wanted an immediate rematch, but the UFC brass may have other plans. Strickland is rumored to run it back with top contender Nassourdine Imavov, potentially later this year.

Meanwhile, Chimaev wanted to fight Caio Borralho or Dricus du Plessis if Imavov is getting the title shot. But after speaking with the matchmakers, Chimaev came to know that Borralho and Du Plessis won’t be ready to lock horns with him anytime soon, as they are injured.

The Chechen-born Emirati has repeatedly called out the UFC brass, urging them to keep him active, but so far, no good news has come his way.

Earlier today, Khamzat Chimaev announced that he will take a hiatus from fighting if he does not get a fight before this year ends. He also revealed that he has numerous injuries and health issues for which this break is important. “Borz” said:

“If nothing happens in October or December, I’ll take a little break. I have a lot of injuries that I need to get treated. I go into every fight with some kind of problem. People already know that… I just get sick often. I don’t have half of my thyroid gland. I’ve been under anesthesia 7 times and had 6 surgeries. The Almighty has ordained this for me. I still have to live my life.”

Check out Khamzat Chimaev’s comments below:

Khamzat Chimaev says he wasn’t at his best heading into UFC 328

In the same interview with Adam Zubayraev, Khamzat Chimaev also added that before the UFC 328 Sean Strickland bout, he was not in good physical condition but refused to pull out.

“If people had listened to me, the fight wouldn’t have happened either. I will never say, ‘I won’t fight.’ I can’t do that. If my older brother or someone tells me, ‘You’re not going to fight because you’re in this condition,’ I’ll tell my brother, ‘I’m in this condition.’ My brother decided that I could fight, so I fought.”

Check out Khamzat Chimaev’s comments below:

Chimaev’s camp has previously revealed that “Borz” had a drastic weight cut and his body was close to shutting down, which could have been a reason why Chimaev chose to abandon his wrestling-heavy game plan against “Tarzan” and decided to stand and bang for the majority of the minutes on fight night.

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)

Subham

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.