Chimaev vows to follow Strickland to heavyweight to avenge UFC 328 title loss

Khamzat Chimaev has vowed to chase Sean Strickland all the way to heavyweight after the former middleweight champion stripped him of his undefeated record and the UFC 185-pound title via split decision at UFC 328 in May.

Speaking in a video posted by Red Corner MMA, Chimaev (15-1) made clear that no weight class would stand between him and a rematch with Strickland (31-7), dismissing any suggestion that the matchup might not happen.

“We will make the matchup, bro. Don’t worry. Light heavyweight, heavyweight, wherever he goes, we go after him. I’m the hunter. He’s a chicken running away,” Chimaev said.

Chimaev confirmed he would move up in weight if Strickland chose to compete at heavyweight, extending a pursuit that has grown louder with each passing week since the UFC 328 defeat ended his run as an unbeaten champion.

The loss was the first of Chimaev’s professional career and came at the worst possible moment, costing him a title he had worked towards since arriving in the UFC with a string of dominant performances. He has since made no secret of his desire for a second meeting, previously stating he was willing to wait for the winner of a potential bout between Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov before pressing his case again.

Whether the UFC will sanction an immediate rematch — or whether Strickland’s own divisional plans will align with Chimaev’s ambitions — remains to be seen. For now, Chimaev’s message is unambiguous: he considers the rivalry unfinished regardless of where Strickland fights next.