Khamzat Chimaev ready for backup role in Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov title clash
Rumors suggest Sean Strickland will make his first title defense against Nassourdine Imavov next, with Khamzat Chimaev waiting in the wings.
For the first time in his career, Chimaev is navigating life outside the cage, fresh off a defeat. Losing his flawless record came with many negatives, most importantly the loss of his middleweight title. Determined to fight his way back to the head of the table, ‘Borz’ has dismissed any potential matchup and will instead play the waiting game.
During a recent interview, Khamzat Chimaev announced that his two potential next opponents, Caio Borralho and Dricus Du Plessis, are injured. With no other contender in the division warranting a blockbuster fight with the global star, Chimaev has laid out his game plan: be ready to fill in for either Strickland or Imavov if needed.
“It doesn’t matter to me [who I fight next], I call out everyone,” Chimaev said following his win at RAF Moscow. “I want to come back as soon as possible. earlier, I said that I wanted to return in October, and I called Hunter [Campbell].”
“They told me that Caio and Du Plessis are injured. We’ll see what happens. I don’t know exactly. Maybe Imavov and Strickland won’t fight, and I’ll be ready.”
🚨Khamzat Chimaev says he won’t face either Caio Borralho or Dricus Du Plessis in his next fight. Talking to Red Corner MMA after his RAF victory in Moscow, Borz expressed hope of facing Sean Strickland or Nassourdine Imavov if their fight falls through. pic.twitter.com/noOlM7russ
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 6, 2026
Since losing his title, Khamzat Chimaev has been busy dominating the freestyle wrestling scene.
Chimaev’s debut in the RAF world saw him score a one-sided win over Dillon Danis. The impressive performance was followed by an unnecessary brawl between both teams, which stole the headlines on the night.
A more composed Chimaev entered his second RAF outing on Saturday. This time, no post-fight brawl ensued, just complete dominance from the Russian against a respected opponent in former UFC welterweight king, Tyron Woodley.
With no UFC fight on the horizon, Khamzat Chimaev is enjoying showing out in Real American Freestyle. His next fight is already booked, where he’ll collide with former MMA foe Gilbert Burns at RAF 13 on September 18.