Khamzat Chimaev accuses Sean Strickland of ‘running’ from accepting UFC title rematch

Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev says Sean Strickland is stalling alleged talks for an immediate title rematch.

Sean Strickland pulled off another legendary upset earlier this year when he defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 to reclaim the middleweight title. After entering UFC 328 as a significant underdog, Strickland handed Chimaev his first career loss in a clinical performance from the now-two-time champion.

Initially, Chimaev told UFC CEO Dana White that he wanted to make the full-time move to light heavyweight instead of potentially contending for his former throne. But Chimaev has since pivoted from that stance in recent weeks and has made a potential rematch with Strickland his biggest priority.

White recently confirmed that Strickland vs. Chimaev 2 is in the cards for the next middleweight title fight, although the matchmakers haven’t made a formal decision. Top contender Nassourdine Imavov also makes a compelling case for the next middleweight title shot.

But according to Chimaev, the UFC is already in the initial stages of booking the Strickland rematch, and the current middleweight champ is sabotaging negotiations.

Khamzat Chimaev blames Sean Strickland for stalled UFC rematch talks

In a recent tweet, Chimaev sent Strickland a cold message as UFC rematch talks continue.

“Accept the fight, don’t run, I’ll beat you anyway,” Chimaev tweeted.

“The sooner this happens, the easier it will be to breathe.”

As of this writing, Strickland hasn’t responded to Chimaev’s tweet. At the UFC 328 post-fight press conference, Strickland said that Imavov was the most deserving next contender, rather than a potential rematch with Chimaev.

Chimaev won the UFC middleweight title by defeating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 last year. Du Plessis will fight former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman as he looks to make a compelling case for another title shot.

In the meantime, Strickland vs. Chimaev 2 remains in a holding pattern, and according to Chimaev, Strickland is to blame.

What is your prediction for a potential Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev rematch? Let us know in the comments!