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Khamzat Chimaev has been told that two of the middleweights he called out are dealing with injuries.

Chimaev has appeared to accept the possibility that he won’t be getting an immediate rematch with Sean Strickland. Amid rumors claiming Sean Strickland is set to defend his UFC Middleweight Championship against Nassourdine Imavov in a rematch, Chimaev turned his attention to other contenders. Two of the names he mentioned were Caio Borralho and Dricus du Plessis, who Chimaev swept on the scorecards to capture UFC gold for the first time.

“Borz” was interviewed by Red Corner MMA, and the former 185-pound ruler said it looks like a bout against Borralho and a rematch with du Plessis won’t be happening next after a conversation with UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell (h/t MMAJunkie).

“It doesn’t matter to me. I call out everyone,” Chimaev said. “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 and (Dricus) Du Plessis are injured. We’ll see what happens. I don’t know exactly. Maybe Imavov and Strickland won’t fight, and I’ll be ready.”

One name who might be available is the No. 4-ranked middleweight on the Meta rankings panel, Joe Pyfer. Recently, Pyfer said he doesn’t think Chimaev does well under pressure because he prefers control over chaos. Currently, Pyfer has a RAF match scheduled against former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold on Sept. 18. Chimaev will be on the RAF 13 card as well, and he’ll be facing his old UFC rival Gilbert Burns.

Pyfer doesn’t have a UFC bout scheduled at the moment. As far as other possible names, Brendan Allen, who holds the No. 5 spot on the Meta panel, is scheduled to clash with Christian Leroy Duncan on Oct. 10. “Borz” doesn’t sound like he wants to wait around too long, so he might need an opponent with a clear schedule.

Who would you have Khamzat Chimaev fight next if both Caio Borralho and Dricus du Plessis are unavailable? Share what you would do in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM