Chimaev accuses Strickland of ducking rematch after UFC 328 title loss

Khamzat Chimaev has accused UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland of dodging a rematch, taking to Instagram to call out the American after losing the 185-pound title to him at UFC 328 earlier this year. It was the first defeat of Chimaev’s professional career.

“Someone is running, I’m ready, just tell me where and when I’ll be there,” Chimaev wrote alongside four photos from their five-round contest — a pointed message directed squarely at the reigning champion.

Chimaev had entered the fight as titleholder, having claimed the middleweight belt with a dominant unanimous decision over Dricus Du Plessis, using his trademark ground game to dethrone the South African. Against Strickland, however, “Borz” delivered a flat performance, appearing to gas out across the championship rounds and surrendering the title in what he will consider an uncharacteristic showing.

Strickland, for his part, has been vocal in taking shots at Chimaev since the victory but has not directly responded to rematch talk. The champion is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury and has indicated he is targeting a return to the Octagon later this year.

The path back to a title shot is far from straightforward for Chimaev. The middleweight division is crowded with credible contenders, and the most immediate title picture may be shaped by another fight entirely: former champions Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman — both of whom have previously beaten Strickland — are set to collide at UFC Oklahoma City, a result that could significantly alter the queue ahead of Chimaev.

Whether Strickland opts to grant the rematch or sidestep it in favour of a more commercially or athletically compelling matchup remains to be seen. For now, Chimaev has made his intentions clear and placed the pressure publicly on the champion to respond.