BUZZ Chimaev vows to chase Strickland up in weight; Strickland-Imavov reportedly set for February

Khamzat Chimaev wants Sean Strickland again and says a change of division will not stop him. The reporting around his comments points elsewhere: the champion's next fight appears to be a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov.

On his podcast The Bohnfire, MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn said the UFC is planning that defense for February in Florida. "I've heard it's maybe even signed or close to signed for February for somewhere in Florida so I think this fight is happening." Host Luke Thomas said he had heard similar. Nothing is official. Strickland beat Imavov in January 2023, and Imavov, 31, is the French contender expected to get the shot.

The date would end a stall. Strickland, 35, had been expected to headline UFC 335 in Las Vegas in December, but a pay dispute pushed that plan back. Bloody Elbow says the issue appears to be solved. Toronto's UFC 336 was never an option, since Strickland has said he will never fight in Canada again. Derek Brunson, who left the UFC after more than a decade, took the promotion's side, telling Bloody Elbow that Strickland signed a ten-fight deal and should have bet on himself.

Chimaev, who lost the belt to Strickland by split decision at UFC 328 in May, is not part of that plan. He told Red Corner MMA he would go up if Strickland does, and has said he believes he won the first fight. Nothing shows Strickland plans to leave middleweight.

Chimaev, 32, is next booked against Colby Covington at RAF Abu Dhabi on Nov. 14, after beating Robbie Lawler at RAF 14. His next appearance is therefore outside the UFC cage, and a rematch would likely have to wait.

Watch for an official UFC announcement of the February card and any response from Strickland to Chimaev's challenge.