Khamzat Chimaev wants 2026 return to UFC or he's taking 'a little break'
Khamzat Chimaev wants to UFC to book soon or it could be a minute until he makes himself available again.
Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) is keen to return to the octagon this year after suffering his first career loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May. Chimaev is open to fighting any time between October and December, but has not received any official confirmation of his next bout. Health concerns have been a recurring issue for the fighter, who has had multiple surgeries and struggles with frequent illness.
He told Adam Zubayraev on The Hustle Show, "If nothing happens in October or December, I’ll take a little break. I have a lot of injuries that I need to get treated. I go into every fight with some kind of problem." Chimaev initially targeted a rematch with Strickland next, but has since opened up his options and is considering a fight with fellow 185-pound contender Caio Borralho.
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