Khamzat Chimaev confirms he is healthy and targets Sean Strickland for first middleweight title defense

Khamzat Chimaev confirms he is not injured and is waiting for a title fight against Sean Strickland, bypassing Nassourdine Imavov for his first defense.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 7:26 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from MMA Mania

Clarity on the Champions Status

After more than six months of inactivity since capturing the 185-pound gold from Dricus du Plessis, Khamzat Chimaev has finally addressed the speculation regarding his health and future. Despite earlier reports that an injury had stalled his return, the champion took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm that he is fully fit. When asked directly about his condition, Chimaev replied, "No I [am] waiting for [Sean Strickland]," signaling his intent to bypass other contenders in favor of a legacy-defining matchup.

Snubbing the Top Contender

Chimaev’s decision to wait for Strickland comes at the expense of Nassourdine Imavov, who many analysts believed had earned the next title shot. Imavov has recently been vocal about his desire to compete for the belt, even expressing a personal grudge against Strickland. However, Chimaev has historically shown little interest in facing fellow fighters with Russian ties, and his pivot toward "Tarzan" suggests he is prioritizing the commercial and stylistic appeal of an American opponent for his first defense.

The Strickland Response and Venue Speculation

Sean Strickland wasted no time in responding to the champion's callout, replying with an American flag and a fist emoji on social media. This interaction has reignited rumors that the UFC is planning a "UFC White House" event on the South Lawn. While Chimaev previously questioned whether a Russian fighter would be welcomed at such a venue, and Strickland has voiced his own colorful objections to political settings, the potential for a massive payday and global exposure may outweigh their previous hesitations.