Sean Strickland teases imminent rematch with Khamzat Chimaev in comeback update

Sean Strickland has suggested he will run it back with Khamzat Chimaev on his UFC return.

Strickland shocked the world in May when he handed Chimaev his first MMA defeat to become the new UFC middleweight champion and two-time title holder.

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The American successfully stuffed most of Chimaev ‘s takedowns, peppering him with his jab to edge a split decision in an almighty upset.

Just days after his victory, Strickland listed a series of shoulder injuries he sustained during the main event, having entered UFC 328 compromised.

This left Strickland with potentially over a year sidelined due to the severity of some of his injuries, but an update from the champion suggests he could be back sooner.

Strickland sends message to Chimaev

“Y’all keep asking me when I’m gonna fight again,” Strickland wrote on social media Friday.

“Shoulder is getting solid, need a little longer. As to who I’m fighting…

“Chimaev keeps running his f***ing mouth. Want me to teach you how to cut weight so you can stop b***ing for a second L?”

Chimaev has complained about the weight cut he endured following his defeat to Strickland.

He told UFC CEO Dana White immediately after losing that he would be moving up to the light heavyweight division, but has since made a U-turn on his decision.

It’s clear Chimaev wants the rematch next and his case has been strengthened by Strickland’s latest message.

He has also responded to the champion.

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“This coward started talking again,” Chimaev hit back on X.

“When you see me again, ask for forgiveness, you’re good at that, the most important thing is don’t cry like a girl next time.”

Strickland and Chimaev had engaged in a bitter war of words before their clash at UFC 328, with the former directing derogatory comments at his opponent.

Emotional after his victory, Strickland then apologised ‘to my American fans, Christian fans and Muslim fans,’ but Chimaev, evidently, hasn’t bought his apology.

How likely is Strickland vs Chimaev 2?

Should Strickland recover sooner than expected and Chimaev is ready to go again, it would be hard for the UFC brass not to book the rematch.

After all, the rivalry between both men made their first meeting one of the most anticipated UFC fights of all time, with police officers flooding the cage to keep both men apart before they fought.

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However, No. 3-ranked middleweight Nassourdine Imavov is gunning for his title shot next.

“You’ll do what you’re told. See you soon.” Imavov, who is on a five-fight winning streak, said in response to Strickland’s social media post.

Furthermore, former champion Dricus du Plessis, who beat Strickland twice in title bouts during his reign, is fresh off a Fight of the Night-winning bonus against Kamaru Usman.

Du Plessis will also feel he should be the one to fight for the belt next.

UFC Meta Rankings

The UFC ranking system is ever-evolving and is now more different than ever.

Right up until the summer of 2026, the UFC used its official rankings based on media votes.

However, as of June 22, 2026, the UFC began transitioning away from the traditional media panel to new AI-based rankings in partnership with Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta.

The new rankings will be automatically calculated and updated every Monday following official events.

And talkSPORT.com have made it easy for MMA fans to stay up to date with the new system through a full and regularly updated UFC Meta Rankings list, including stars from the heavyweight and lightweight divisions.