Khamzat Chimaev puts deadline on $1 million offer for Sean Strickland rematch

Khamzat Chimaev says the money only stands if Sean Strickland agrees to face him next, after the middleweight champion complained about his pay and floated a move to light heavyweight.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Thu 22 Oct, 15:07 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Khamzat Chimaev has told Sean Strickland that his offer of $1 million to accept a rematch will not stay open for long, setting a deadline of 22 October.

The offer doubles the $500,000 that Nassourdine Imavov offered Strickland earlier this month to sign to fight him with the middleweight title on the line. Both pitches followed Strickland, the current champion, saying he would not return later this year because he is unhappy with how much he is being paid.

Chimaev told Red Corner MMA that he would still pay Strickland, but only if the champion accepted the following day. He then loosened that condition, saying the money would remain on offer if Strickland agreed to make Chimaev his next fight, but not if he took years to say yes. Chimaev said: “If he accepts tomorrow, yeah. He’s not accepting [it] after a couple of years, why should I pay? Anyway it’s gonna happen so if he accepts like next fight against me, I will pay.”

Post by @RedCorner_MMA on X

Strickland has also suggested he could vacate the title and see out the remaining fights on his contract at light heavyweight. That would not end Chimaev's pursuit of a rematch with his last opponent.

Chimaev told MMA Fighting: “If he goes to 205, I go after him and take his head.” He added: “I go straight up. If he goes to heavyweight, I go to heavyweight.” He said revenge was not his only reason, pointing out that the UFC would pay him well for the rematch whichever division it takes place in. Chimaev also plans to treat some injuries if the UFC does not book him a fight before the end of the year.

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Khamzat Chimaev Sean Strickland Nassourdine Imavov