Chimaev unbothered by Strickland-Imavov title rumour: 'Whoever wins, we'll take him'

Khamzat Chimaev says he has no issue with Nassourdine Imavov potentially receiving the next UFC middleweight title shot ahead of him, telling reporters on Thursday that his only priority is getting back into the cage as soon as possible. Rumours circulated this week that champion Sean Strickland would defend his belt against Imavov in December rather than grant Chimaev an immediate rematch.

“No, there’s no surprise,” Chimaev said via Ushatayka. “How long has Imavov been waiting now? Probably around two years. He’s already the contender. Whoever wins, we’ll take him.”

Imavov has earned his place at the front of the queue. The French-Russian contender is on a six-fight unbeaten run that includes a knockout victory over former champion Israel Adesanya and wins over Caio Borralho and Brendan Allen. His only defeat in that stretch came in 2023, when he dropped a decision to Strickland after accepting the bout on short notice.

Strickland, who became a two-time middleweight champion by beating Chimaev, has been working through injury recovery with the aim of competing before the year is out. A December date with Imavov would fit that timeline, though the UFC has yet to make any official announcement.

For Chimaev, the wait is not entirely idle. He hinted earlier this week at interest in a fight against top-ten ranked Borralho, who is also chasing a title opportunity at 185 pounds. Chimaev appeared open to that matchup as a way to stay active while the title picture resolves itself.

His long-term ambitions at middleweight remain unchanged. “Until we break everybody at 185, I’m not going anywhere,” Chimaev said.

More immediately, Chimaev is set to compete in a wrestling match against former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in the main event of RAF Moscow on Saturday in Russia.