The majority of MMA fans expected Khamzat Chimaev to steamroll Sean Strickland in their middleweight title clash at UFC 328. Instead, the American delivered one of the finest performances of his career, edging out a razor-close split-decision victory to hand the Chechen star his first professional MMA loss and reclaim the UFC middleweight title, becoming a two-time champion in the process.
Nearly two months removed from his triumph in New Jersey, ‘Tarzan’ is already setting his sights on a return to the Octagon. The victory over Chimaev did not come without a cost. Strickland suffered a broken nose in the opening round of the UFC 328 main event and entered the bout while managing a lingering shoulder injury.
Despite those setbacks, the reigning 185-pound champion has no intention of remaining inactive for long and is targeting a comeback before the end of 2026. Responding to a fan on X, Strickland revealed his tentative timeline, writing, “We’re looking at a December return. Just can’t become a fat POS while I heal up, haha.”
As for who could be standing across from him next, many fans have called for an immediate rematch with Chimaev. Supporters of the 15-1 phenom have pointed to the difficult circumstances surrounding UFC 328, where Chimaev reportedly endured a disastrous 44-pound weight cut. The situation stemmed from his reported interest in potentially challenging Jiri Prochazka for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 327, forcing him to juggle multiple possibilities before ultimately competing at middleweight.
🚨 Sean Strickland is targeting a return in December 👀
“We’re looking at a December return. Just can’t become a fat POS while I heal up.” pic.twitter.com/TEuM36PgCO
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 25, 2026
However, Strickland has made it clear that he prefers contenders to earn title opportunities through the rankings rather than reputation. In his view, the next shot should belong to Nassourdine Imavov, who currently sits atop the divisional ladder despite having previously lost to the champion.
Speaking at the UFC 328 post-fight press conference, Strickland said, “I truly believe in UFC rankings. I think they fucking matter. I hate when guys jump it. So if that’s who the UFC (want). If that’s the rankings. That’s who it is. Let’s go.”
He added, “You know, me and my girl we have been in camp for 6 months, and you guys know camp is. We don’t do things on weekends, we don’t travel, we don’t go out to eat. She is my dietician, so I’m gonna give her a break, and I think what do they say? Nassourdine is next?”
As for Imavov, the French standout currently holds the No. 2 spot in the official UFC middleweight rankings and is riding an impressive six-fight unbeaten streak. Ironically, his most recent defeat came against Strickland himself, when the two squared off in a short-notice light heavyweight bout at UFC Fight Night 217 in January 2023.
🚨 Sean Strickland says Nassourdine Imavov is next in line for a title shot 👀
“[Imavov] is next. I’ll take a little breather, support my boy Alex [Pereira] at the White House. Give me a little time, let my broken nose heal and let’s get back in there.”pic.twitter.com/khpgsqZ2jZ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 10, 2026
Interestingly, Strickland was also fast-tracked into title contention after scoring a stoppage victory over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston, leapfrogging several contenders on his way to a championship opportunity against Chimaev. With that in mind, the reigning champion appears more than willing to extend the same courtesy to Imavov by granting him the first shot at the middleweight title following his return, which is currently targeted for December 2026.
Of course, Imavov is far from the only viable challenger. A blockbuster showdown between Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman is set to headline UFC Oklahoma City on July 18, and both men own victories over Strickland. Whether it’s Imavov, the winner of du Plessis vs. Usman, or another top contender, the middleweight division offers no shortage of compelling options. The only question now is which matchup the UFC ultimately chooses for Strickland’s anticipated December return.
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