Sports · Combat Sports · 5 hrs ago
Khamzat Chimaev says he will pursue Sean Strickland at any weight
Khamzat Chimaev says he will pursue Sean Strickland for a UFC fight, even if they have to meet at a different weight.
Chimaev said he would move up to light heavyweight or heavyweight if Strickland went there.
The two fighters are rivals, and a rematch would follow their close first fight in March.
Strickland is the UFC middleweight champion, but his dispute with the promotion over fighter pay has delayed his planned title defence against Nassourdine Imavov.
Chimaev recently competed in wrestling against Robbie Lawler at Real American Freestyle Wrestling 14, then turned his attention back to a UFC bout with Strickland.
The UFC has not confirmed that a rematch will happen, or when Strickland will return to action.
The next step depends on whether Strickland and the UFC resolve their dispute and whether the promotion books the fight.
Khamzat Chimaev says he will pursue a fight with Sean Strickland even if that means moving up across weight divisions.
Chimaev told Red Corner MMA he would follow Strickland to light heavyweight or heavyweight.
He said a rematch could help Strickland get the pay he is seeking.
The timing of a possible rematch is unclear, and the UFC has not confirmed plans for the fight.
Chimaev recently wrestled Robbie Lawler at Real American Wrestling 14, where he won by technical fall.
- Who
- Khamzat Chimaev says he wants to fight Sean Strickland.
- What
- Chimaev says he will pursue the matchup at any weight, including light heavyweight or heavyweight.
- When
- Chimaev made the comments to Red Corner MMA; the date is not stated.
- Where
- The comments were made to Red Corner MMA; the location is not stated.
- Why
- Chimaev says he wants the fight and suggests it could help Strickland get the pay he is seeking.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Chimaev and Strickland fought in a close first fight, according to Bloody Elbow.
Chimaev wrestled Robbie Lawler at Real American Wrestling 14 and won by technical fall.
Articles reported Chimaev’s comments that he would pursue a fight with Strickland across weight divisions.
- Chimaev’s proposed opponent
- Sean Strickland
- Possible divisions
- Light heavyweight or heavyweight
- Recent wrestling event
- Real American Wrestling 14
- Recent opponent
- Robbie Lawler
- Reported result
- Chimaev won by technical fall
3 sources
What people are saying
We will make this matchup, bro, don’t worry, if I’ve got to light heavyweight, heavyweight, wherever he goes I will go after him
Yeah, I’m the hunter and he’s a chicken running away.
Posts on X
Khamzat Chimaev says he’s willing to chase down Sean Strickland wherever the middleweight champion’s next move is “We will make the matchup. Don’t worry. Light heavyweight, heavyweight, wherever he goes, we go after him. I’m the hunter. He’s a chicken running away,” he told Red