Khamzat Chimaev says he didn't lose to Sean Strickland: 'I'm the real champion'

Chimaev, ranked No 1 at middleweight by the UFC, wants to wait and fight the winner of Strickland's expected title defence against Nassourdine Imavov.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Sat 7 Nov, 01:54 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland clinch against the fence during their UFC 328 middleweight title fight — Photo: Getty Images via MMA Fighting

Khamzat Chimaev says he did not lose his UFC middleweight title fight with Sean Strickland, calling himself "the real champion" and demanding the winner of Strickland's expected title defence against Nassourdine Imavov.

"I should fight the winner [of Strickland vs Imavov] because I'm the #1 contender," Chimaev told MMA Junkie. "I didn't lose that match. I'm the real champion."

Strickland took the title from Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 in Newark in May, handing him the first defeat of his MMA career.

Chimaev is ranked No 1 in the UFC's official middleweight rankings, with Imavov at No 3, but it is Imavov who is expected to get the first shot at Strickland. MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn has said the UFC is planning Strickland v Imavov for February in Florida, though nothing has been announced.

Chimaev has previously vowed to follow Strickland up to light heavyweight, and even heavyweight, for a rematch, and has said of the champion: "I'm the hunter. He's a chicken running away."

While he waits, Chimaev has been competing in Real American Freestyle wrestling and is next due to face Colby Covington in an RAF match in Abu Dhabi on Saturday 14 November.

In this story

Khamzat Chimaev Sean Strickland Nassourdine Imavov Colby Covington