Despite Dana White’s recent statements, Khamzat Chimaev appears to have not fully committed to moving up a weight class. The former UFC middleweight champion made a point to send a direct message to Sean Strickland, hinting at an immediate rematch.
After losing to Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 on Saturday, where the middleweight title was on the line, Chimaev reportedly told UFC president Dana White immediately after the fight that he was ready to move up to light heavyweight (93 kg), a division where cutting weight would be less grueling. However, a post from the Russian fighter on his official X account (formerly Twitter), addressed to the new middleweight champion, suggests otherwise.
“Sean Strickland, I’ll see you again soon,” Chimaev wrote.
Middleweight or Light Heavyweight?
Following the first loss of his career, Khamzat Chimaev faces a critical decision. Struggling to make the middleweight limit—as seen in his failed title defense attempt against Strickland—the “Wolf” must choose between seeking revenge against his conqueror or moving up to the light heavyweight division, where he could immediately challenge for the title, currently held by Carlos Ulberg. Only time will tell what the Chechen-born fighter will decide.
