Khamzat Chimaev, after Sean Strickland loss, has title-only pact with Brendan Allen

Brendan Allen says he and Khamzat Chimaev will only fight each other for a UFC belt, as Chimaev looks set to be denied an immediate rematch with middleweight champion Sean Strickland.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Wed 21 Oct, 19:12 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Brendan Allen has ruled out facing his friend Khamzat Chimaev unless a UFC middleweight title is at stake, removing one of the leading contenders from the list of possible opponents for the former champion.

The agreement matters because Chimaev may need to beat a fellow contender to earn another shot at the belt. He lost the 185lb title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May, in his first defence, and called off a planned move up to light heavyweight to chase revenge. Strickland, now a two-time champion, is instead in line for a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov.

Allen, who is three places below the No. 1-ranked Chimaev in the middleweight rankings, explained the arrangement on MMA Junkie Radio. He said: “We have the agreement that we’re not gonna fight each other unless it’s for gold.” Allen added that he does not have the fame or financial security to turn down a title fight, whoever the opponent. He said: “Fighting for the belt changes my life, and it changes my family’s life.” The American believes he is in title contention after beating Christian Leroy Duncan in a main event earlier this month, his fourth straight win. Before that he defeated Edmen Shahbazyan, Reinier de Ridder and Marvin Vettori.

Allen has not lost since back-to-back defeats by Imavov in September 2024 and Anthony Hernandez in February 2025. Chimaev's record stands at 15-1.

In this story

Khamzat Chimaev Sean Strickland Brendan Allen Nassourdine Imavov Christian Leroy Duncan Edmen Shahbazyan Reinier de Ridder Marvin Vettori