Khamzat Chimaev says he is open to facing whoever earns the next UFC middleweight title opportunity after Nassourdine Imavov’s title-shot situation becomes clear. Chimaev, a former middleweight champion, is responding to the idea that Imavov could get the next chance against Sean Strickland.
Chimaev previously sought an immediate rematch with Strickland following his belt loss at UFC 328 in May, where he failed in his first title defense. In his comments, he indicates he will not insist on a rematch with Strickland specifically, and instead says he will fight the winner of the relevant path to the title.
Both outlets link his statements to his loss at UFC 328 and to his continued pursuit of another title fight. Times of India adds that Chimaev believes mistakes affected his performance and stresses that, despite his first career defeat, he does not view himself as a “loser.” Yahoo Sports focuses more on his indication that a title bout could be approaching.
