The reigning UFC middleweight titleholder, Khamzat Chimaev, is set for an earlier-than-anticipated return to competition, though Nassourdine Imavov will not be the one challenging him.
Only a few months following his capture of the UFC middleweight championship from Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev openly hinted at a transition to the light heavyweight category. Chimaev, who boasts an undefeated record in his professional mixed martial arts career, secured the 185-pound strap with a commanding victory against Du Plessis in his most recent outing.
Nassourdine Imavov, currently on an impressive winning streak with victories against prominent contenders like Caio Borralho and Israel Adesanya, had been widely speculated as Chimaev’s next adversary. However, given their shared history of brief training sessions earlier in their careers, Chimaev had consistently expressed reservations about facing Imavov in a professional bout.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is currently in a vigorous phase of unveiling its fight schedule for the Spring and Summer seasons, which includes a notable “White House card” event showcasing Ilia Topuria versus Justin Gaethje. Although Chimaev will not be competing on this particular card, he is slated to defend his UFC middleweight title against an ex-champion, even as numerous voices advocated for Imavov to receive the next opportunity at the gold.
Khamzat Chimaev to face Sean Strickland as main event of UFC 328 following prolonged animosity
On Thursday, UFC CEO Dana White disclosed that Chimaev is scheduled to confront former UFC middleweight titleholder Sean Strickland in the headliner of UFC 328, taking place on May 9th in Newark, New Jersey. Strickland’s most recent outing saw him triumph over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston earlier in the year, effectively halting Hernandez’s notable ascent through the middleweight division ranks.
This championship opportunity comes as a surprise for Strickland, especially considering his decisive loss to Du Plessis in their UFC 312 rematch from the previous year. Following two consecutive defeats to Du Plessis, a common belief was that Strickland would require several victories to build a compelling argument for another title challenge.
For months, Strickland and Chimaev have exchanged verbal insults, with Strickland notably labeling Chimaev a ‘terrorist’ and asserting that he exhausted the current middleweight champion during previous sparring encounters at Xtreme Couture. Following weeks of antagonism between the two middleweights, they are now set to headline the UFC’s anticipated return to Newark, marking one of the year’s most significant matchups.
White further revealed the complete main card lineup for UFC 328, which includes the comeback of Joaquin Buckley facing Sean Brady, and former titleholder Jan Blachowicz competing against Bogdan Guskov. Kicking off the main card will be lightweight icon Jeremy Stephens’ return to the Octagon to battle Bobby Green.
What are your initial thoughts on the impending clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland? Share your predictions below!
