Sean Strickland has reclaimed the middleweight title with a split decision win over Khamzat Chimaev on Saturday night. Now the biggest question surrounding the division is whether the UFC can realistically move on without booking an immediate rematch.
Rematch Talk Begins Immediately
Strickland captured the belt after five excruciating rounds in the match, but the scorecards instantly triggered debate across the MMA community. Judges Eric Colon and Sal D’Amato both gave Strickland the deciding fifth round to secure 48-47 scorecards in his favor. Judge Sue Sanidad saw the final round for Chimaev.
The close result immediately complicated the title picture at 185 pounds. Nassourdine Imavov had been pushing for a title opportunity against the winner coming into UFC 328, but the split decision outcome quickly changed the conversation.
Former champion Dricus Du Plessis also remains near the top of the division after already holding two wins over Strickland. A third fight between them does not appear to carry the same momentum as a Chimaev rematch after Saturday’s result.
This has left fans and pundits alike clamouring for a rematch. But it seems both Dana and Khamzat have other plans.
Brutal weight cut leads to major decision
Following the main event, UFC president Dana White confirmed that Chimaev told him he no longer wants to compete at 185 pounds. The announcement came just hours after Chimaev dropped the UFC middleweight title in a split decision defeat to Sean Strickland in one of the most competitive fights of the year.
Questions about Chimaev’s future at middleweight started long before fight night. The champion struggled badly during Friday’s weigh-ins and was the final fighter to step onto the scale. He officially made the championship limit, but the cut visibly took a toll on him heading into the title defense.
According to White, Chimaev wasted no time addressing his future after the loss
“Dana White says Khamzat walked up to him after the fight and says he doesn’t want to fight at middleweight anymore.”
The move to light heavyweight may not come as a surprise to many inside the MMA community. Chimaev has dealt with difficult weight cuts throughout multiple stages of his UFC career, including earlier issues at welterweight before settling at middleweight.
Watch the full interview here
Potential opponents at 205 pounds
Now, the undefeated run at 185 pounds is over, and the focus shifts to how he matches up against larger opponents at 205.
White also made it clear that Chimaev will not receive an immediate title opportunity in the light heavyweight division. Still, his star power almost guarantees a high-profile matchup in his debut.
Several ranked names could make sense for his first fight at 205 pounds. Possible opponents include Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev, Jamahal Hill, Dominick Reyes, and Volkan Oezdemir.
A matchup with Paulo Costa has also been floated. Although Costa has primarily competed at middleweight during his UFC run, he is also at the beginning of a light-heavyweight run of his own, with a TKO win over the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov.
Who would you like to see Khamzat next? How well will he do at LHW?