Overview
- Strickland, who edged Chimaev by split decision Saturday at UFC 328 in Newark, regained the UFC middleweight title.
- UFC CEO Dana White said Chimaev told him post-fight that he planned to leave middleweight for light heavyweight.
- By Tuesday, Chimaev’s team told ESPN the only fight he wants is a Strickland rematch, and his brother said they have asked to run it back in Abu Dhabi in October.
- Artur Chimaev said the weight cut “shut down” Khamzat’s body in the final pounds and claimed he had bulked for a 205-pound bout before taking the title defense.
- Strickland has rejected an immediate rematch and said rankings should guide his first defense, with Nassourdine Imavov viewed as a likely option, as debate over the 48-47 scores and Chimaev’s diminished aura continues.