Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is eager to return to the Octagon, but fans may have to wait longer than expected if the promotion cannot secure him a fight before the end of the year.
After suffering the first loss of his professional MMA career against Sean Strickland at UFC 328, Chimaev has spent months pushing for a return. He initially campaigned for a rematch with Strickland before shifting his focus to any available opponent that could help him work his way back into title contention.
However, with several of his preferred opponents sidelined through injury, Chimaev remains without a fight. As a result, Khamzat Chimaev might rest and focus on his health if a December return fails to materialize.
Speaking with Adam Zubayraev, Chimaev revealed that he has already adjusted his comeback timeline after missing out on a planned October return.
“So far, they haven’t called me, nothing like that yet,” Chimaev said.”I asked them. I want to fight in Abu Dhabi. They said, I’m not asking for a title fight. I knew Strickland wasn’t coming here. I said, ‘I don’t want to wait one or two years for him to recover. Give me someone to fight. Let me make some money and get my belt back as soon as possible.'”
Despite his willingness to accept a non-title bout, Chimaev has yet to receive an offer that moves him closer to a return.
The former champion admitted that if no fight is booked before the year ends, stepping away to address lingering health issues may become his only option.
“As for the fight, I’m trying to get one,” Chimaev said.”I was trying to get one in October, and now I’m trying for December. If nothing happens in December, I think I’ll take a little break. I have a lot of injuries. I need to get them treated. I’ve been putting off my surgeries, putting them off, putting them off, and I go into every fight with some kind of problem.”
Chimaev also opened up about the physical challenges he has battled throughout his career, revealing that many fans may not fully understand the extent of his health struggles.
“I don’t really like talking about my problems or injuries. People already know that I get sick often. That’s just how it is with me.”
“I don’t have half my thyroid gland. I’ve been under anesthesia seven times, had six surgeries, and a lot of injuries. And I still do.”
The comments provide insight into the difficulties Chimaev has faced behind the scenes while continuing to compete at the highest level of the sport.
While Khamzat Chimaev might rest if a fight does not come together, he remains determined to reclaim the title he lost earlier this year. The undefeated aura that once surrounded “Borz” disappeared after the Strickland defeat, but the Chechen-born star believes circumstances played a major role in the outcome.
Chimaev also shared his thoughts on a potential title fight between Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov, suggesting that the French contender has the tools to dethrone the champion.
“It’s a tough fight. I hope that since their fight a couple of years ago, Imavov has improved his striking and will out-strike him,” Chimaev said.”He’s a very tough guy. If he outlasts Imavov, it’s going to be tough. If Imavov is feeling good cardio-wise, technically I think Imavov is much better than him. All fighters are better than him.”
“I replayed the fight in my head a thousand times. Before the fight, I couldn’t even imagine him beating me.”
For now, Chimaev continues to wait for a call from the UFC. But if the promotion cannot find him an opponent before the end of 2026, Khamzat Chimaev might rest, undergo the surgeries he has delayed for years, and focus on returning to full health before making another run at UFC gold.
