Overview
- Chimaev renewed his public push for a rematch on Monday by posting “Accept the fight, don’t run” to Sean Strickland on X, pressing the UFC to set a date.
- The promotion has not booked the fight and Dana White says the next middleweight challenger is still undecided, with Nassourdine Imavov widely discussed as the leading ranked contender.
- Strickland is recovering from shoulder and nose injuries sustained at UFC 328 and has said he likely won’t return to competition until December, which creates a clear timing constraint on any rematch.
- Chimaev has stayed active and visible since the loss, beating Dillon Danis at RAF 10 and taking part in a post-fight brawl, while his camp has publicly described him as focused on reclaiming the title.
- The division is in a holding pattern that could reward either commercial appeal—a high-profile Strickland rematch—or competitive merit if the UFC gives the next shot to Imavov, and fans should watch for the promotion’s next official scheduling move.