Home / Sports / Chimaev Eyes Strickland Rematch for Middleweight Belt
Chimaev Eyes Strickland Rematch for Middleweight Belt
28 May
Summary
- Chimaev has requested a middleweight title rematch with Sean Strickland.
- UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Chimaev's desire for the rematch.
- A difficult weight cut may have impacted Chimaev's performance previously.
Khamzat Chimaev is actively seeking a middleweight title rematch against Sean Strickland, according to UFC CEO Dana White. This request follows conflicting reports about Chimaev's future plans after his recent close decision loss to Strickland on May 9th. Initially, White stated Chimaev expressed a desire to move up to light heavyweight.
However, after recent reflection, Chimaev has made it clear he wants another opportunity at the middleweight belt. His challenging weight cut for the fight with Strickland, described by campmate T.J. Dillashaw as nearly fatal, is believed to have significantly hampered his performance.
The UFC is currently evaluating whether to grant Chimaev an immediate rematch. Questions linger about the potential excitement of a second bout and the strategic implications of giving Chimaev another title shot, especially if he were to vacate it again for a move to another division.
