Khamzat Chimaev is staying at middleweight and has made it clear his priority is a rematch with Sean Strickland after their split-decision title fight at UFC 328.
Chimaev dropped a split decision to Strickland in their middleweight championship clash, a result that cost him the belt but not his focus on the division. He denies any plans to move to light heavyweight and is waiting on the UFC to rebook the matchup.
“Of course, I’m going to go rematch [Sean Strickland],” Chimaev said. “I don’t lose the fight, I lost for the judges. Next time, I’m going to go take his head off.”
Chimaev said he is ready to run it back as soon as the promotion gives the green light. “But I trying to get him, he doesn’t want to go out to the gym. He’s speaking about his shoulder. I’m just waiting on Dana [White], Hunter [Campbell] to bring the guy out to the cage.”
In the meantime, Chimaev has signed with RAF and is set for his wrestling debut at RAF 10 against Dillon Danis on Saturday. He framed the matchup as a business move and a return to his wrestling roots, saying, “I’m just making money everywhere,” and, “That’s why we’re fighting this guy as well. He’s a money check for me.”
