Khamzat Chimaev says he will face UFC 335 winner and stay at 185

Khamzat Chimaev says he will pursue the winner of a possible Sean Strickland-Nassourdine Imavov fight at UFC 335 and remain at 185 pounds. The former middleweight champion lost his title to Strickland at UFC 328 by split decision.

Chimaev had repeatedly pushed for an immediate rematch after that defeat, while also considering a move to light heavyweight. His latest comments indicate that he is prepared to fight another leading middleweight before trying to reclaim the belt.

Rumours have linked Strickland with a December defence against Imavov at UFC 335. Imavov has been viewed as a leading contender and has said he expects to receive the next title opportunity. Strickland previously defeated him by unanimous decision in 2023, but a second meeting remains under discussion.

Asked about the possibility of that fight, Chimaev said Imavov had waited long enough to earn his position. He added that he would take on whichever man emerges from the proposed title contest, rather than objecting to an immediate rematch being delayed.

Chimaev also ruled out moving to 205 pounds for now. He said his priority was to defeat the main contenders at middleweight before leaving the division, reversing the direction he appeared to be considering after his title loss.

The Chechen-born Emirati has called out several possible opponents for his return, including Strickland, Imavov, Dricus du Plessis and Caio Borralho. Borralho responded by offering to fight him at Madison Square Garden in November for UFC 334 or at T-Mobile Arena in December for UFC 335. Chimaev’s comments leave that contender matchup as one possible route back to the title picture.