Outside Source
Khamzat Chimaev is still focused on a rematch with Sean Strickland. | Getty/UFC
Khamzat Chimaev is applying the pressure for a middleweight championship rematch against Sean Strickland.
Chimaev targeted Strickland in a social media post on Monday. “Borz” relinquished the 185-pound strap to Strickland in a split-decision defeat at UFC 328 on May 9. It was Chimaev’s first loss in 16 professional outings.
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“Accept the fight, don’t run. I’ll beat you anyway,” Chimaev wrote on X. “The sooner this happens, the easier it will be to breathe.”
Change in Plans and Another Worthy Contender
While Chimaev initially indicated he would move to light heavyweight following the loss to Strickland, his focus quickly shifted to a rematch shortly thereafter. A few days after UFC 328, the Chechen fighter’s team released a statement revealing that Chimaev is “obsessed” with receiving a return date against Strickland.
The UFC has not provided any clarity regarding the next step in the middleweight division. In addition to a Chimaev rematch, a title defense against Nassourdine Imavov — who has won five straight at 185 pounds — is also a possibility for Strickland.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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