Chimaev targets UFC middleweight title again after revealing hand injuries and Burns rematch plans

Khamzat Chimaev is carrying hand injuries into his UFC middleweight title pursuit but insists any time away from competition will be brief, with the Chechen contender set to face Gilbert Burns in Miami on Saturday before targeting a return to championship contention.

Speaking to MMA Fighting on Thursday, Chimaev played down the severity of his physical issues, attributing them to the force of his striking rather than any serious structural damage. “I punch hard so I always have problems with my hands and I have to fix it,” he said. “It’s not going to take a long time but people think Khamzat is not going to fight. If I do break off, it’s going to be one or two months. Still going to be doing recovery, training.”

Chimaev dropped a close decision to Sean Strickland in May and has been pushing publicly for a quick turnaround ever since. With Strickland expected to defend the middleweight belt against Nassourdine Imavov before the end of 2026, Chimaev acknowledged he is unlikely to be next in line for a title shot.

In the meantime, he sought out Caio Borralho as an interim opponent, claiming the Brazilian accepted the challenge before an injury pushed a potential October date back. “He said November or December, he will be ready,” Chimaev said.

On the question of revenge against Strickland, Chimaev was clear that reclaiming the belt matters more than settling a personal score. He expressed a preference for facing Imavov should the Frenchman dethrone the champion. “I would be happy who is the winner if they come back faster — Nassourdine or Sean, who is the winner, I want to fight this guy,” he said. “I go for Nassourdine.”

First, though, Chimaev must navigate a rematch with Burns, a former welterweight title challenger who has history with the Swede. Saturday’s bout in Miami represents a chance for Chimaev to stay sharp and make a statement while the middleweight title picture takes shape around him.