Chimaev Calls For Fights Vs. Top Middleweights

Khamzat Chimaev (15-1) revealed that he’s “ready” to fight the UFC’s top middleweights, and challenged them to respond to his call-out.

The Russian fighter joined the UFC in 2020 and made a name for himself, beating Kamaru Usman, Robert Whittaker, and then became UFC middleweight champion by defeating Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision in August, 2025, however he lost the belt in his first title defense to Sean Strickland by split decision on May 9, 2026 in a close, competitive fight — it was the first defeat of Chimaev’s pro MMA career.

Chimaev is eager to try and reclaim the title in a rematch against Strickland, however since Strickland is still recovering from multiple shoulder injuries and Chimaev doesn’t want to wait around for his next fight in the Octagon, he has called out top competitors in the middleweight division, including number 2-ranked Dricus du Plessis for a rematch,  Number-3 ranked Nassourdine Imavov, and number-6 ranked Caio Borralho, as he looks to stay active in the UFC ahead of trying to reclaim the belt.

“I’m ready,” Chimaev said. “Let me know when you are ready. Sean. Dricus. Nassourdine. Caio.”

Before Chimaev returns to the UFC, he’ll first headline RAF Moscow in a freestyle wrestling match against former UFC welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley, on September 5. He previously beat Dillon Danis at RAF 10 in June.