TLDR
- Khamzat Chimaev hasn’t fought since losing his middleweight title to Sean Strickland by split decision at UFC 328 in May
- Both Caio Borralho and Dricus du Plessis are currently injured, eliminating them as potential opponents
- Chimaev spoke with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell about returning in October
- His remaining options appear to be either Nassourdine Imavov or a rematch with Sean Strickland
- Chimaev says he’s willing to fight anyone and wants to return as soon as possible
Sources: yardbarker.com | heavy.com
Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev says his list of potential opponents has shrunk after learning that two top contenders are currently injured. The fighter revealed that both Caio Borralho and Dricus du Plessis are dealing with injuries that will keep them out of action.
Chimaev hasn’t fought since losing the middleweight title to Sean Strickland by split decision at UFC 328 in May. He entered that fight as a heavy favorite but lost the belt in a close decision.
The former champion has been calling out multiple fighters since his loss. He initially targeted four top contenders including Strickland, du Plessis, Imavov, and Borralho for his return fight.
Borralho had proposed a fight at UFC 334 on November 14 before the injury news came out. That matchup now appears to be off the table due to Borralho’s health issues.
Chimaev Speaks with UFC Officials About Return
Speaking to Red Corner MMA after a recent appearance in Moscow, Chimaev provided details about his conversation with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell. He said he wants to return as soon as possible and had initially hoped for an October comeback.
“It doesn’t matter to me. I call out everyone. I want to come back as soon as possible,” Chimaev said. “Earlier, I said that I wanted to return in October, and I called Hunter. They told me that Caio and Du Plessis are injured.”
Khamzat Chimaev says he wants to weigh in as a back up for Strickland vs Imavov 2 😐 pic.twitter.com/ATZAg7COUF
— Smesh Talk (@SmeshTalk) September 9, 2026
Chimaev won the middleweight title by defeating du Plessis in 2025. Despite past reports suggesting interest in moving up to light heavyweight, his current focus on middleweight opponents suggests he plans to stay at 185 pounds.
The fighter expressed willingness to face anyone in the division given the current situation. He specifically mentioned that if a planned fight between Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov falls through, he would be ready to step in.
Limited Options for Former Champion
With Borralho and du Plessis out with injuries, Chimaev’s realistic options have narrowed to either Imavov or a rematch with Strickland. Both fighters represent legitimate challenges in the middleweight division.
The situation has left Chimaev without a paycheck from fighting for four months despite being fully healthy. He remains ready to compete but needs a suitable opponent to be made available.
Another potential option could be Joe Pyfer, who also doesn’t currently have his next fight booked. Both fighters need to get back into the Octagon soon.
Chimaev told Red Corner MMA that he remains uncertain about what will happen next. “We’ll see what happens. I don’t know exactly. Maybe Imavov and Strickland won’t fight, and I’ll be ready,” he said.
The UFC has not announced any official plans for Chimaev’s next fight. Campbell and UFC matchmakers are reportedly still working to find the right opponent for the former champion’s return.
