Khamzat Chimaev Still Eyes Sean Strickland Rematch

Title Loss and Injury Set Back

Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev lost his 185‑pound belt to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 last May in Newark. In the weeks after the loss, the Russian fighter has reiterated that he wants a swift rematch with his old rival. A shoulder injury sustained during training has pushed any possible return until the end of the year, according to recent reports. The bout is part of a card that still ranks among the most talked‑about events of the season.

Du Plessis Dismisses Rematch Talk

Dricus Du Plessis, who holds two victories over Strickland, fell to Chimaev at UFC 319 the previous summer in Chicago. The South African contender recently called a Khamzat‑Sean rematch “ridiculous, it doesn’t make any sense,” during an interview on Submission Radio. He added that he will let his next performance speak for itself, especially as he prepares for a bout against former welterweight titleholder Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City this weekend on Paramount+. Du Plessis, who is 23‑3, described the upcoming fight as his “main event” and expressed confidence heading into the contest.

Allan Pulls Out Amid Fight Hype

Brendan Allen, the No. 5 ranked middleweight, was originally linked to a showdown with Du Plessis but pulled out of the pairing, citing fear of a one‑sided defeat. Allen’s recent win over Edmen Shahbazyan was labeled “horrible” by Du Plessis, who suggested the victor should be grateful not to face him. The South African later “finessed” Allen in a previous encounter, leaving the reigning contender looking rattled. Allen’s decision to step away has opened the door for the Du Plessis‑Usman main event on Paramount+.

What It Means for the Middleweight Scene

The middleweight division continues to bubble with storylines, from Chimaev’s lingering desire for redemption to Du Plessis’s ascent toward a championship shot. While fans debate the merits of an instant rematch, the sport’s top fighters are focused on navigating the current line‑up of high‑stakes bouts. This fluctuating landscape keeps the division competitive and ensures that each fight carries added weight. As the season progresses, the outcomes of these matchups will likely reshape the pecking order in the 185‑pound weight class.