Chimaev Sets December Deadline Before Break

Khamzat Chimaev wants a fight before year's end or he's shutting down camp to address mounting injuries.

The former middleweight title challenger told Adam Zubayrev that he's targeting either October or December for his return, per MMA Fighting. If neither date materializes, he said he'll take a break to handle surgeries he's postponed through multiple camps. "I have a lot of injuries," Chimaev said. "I need to get them treated. I've been putting off my surgeries, putting them off, putting them off, and I go into every fight with some kind of problem."

Chimaev dropped a split decision to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May, his first career loss. He initially pushed for an immediate rematch but has since backed off that demand. He told Zubayrev he believes Nassourdine Imavov will get the next title shot instead. Chimaev said he asked the UFC for a fight in Abu Dhabi but heard nothing back. When he told the promotion he didn't want to wait years for Strickland's availability, the organization moved on and reportedly slotted Imavov into a title bout.

The undefeated middleweight revealed he's dealt with thyroid issues that have required seven procedures under anesthesia, six of them surgeries. He said he's competed with various injuries throughout his run. "I don't really like talking about my problems or injuries," he said. "People already know that I get sick often."

On the potential Strickland-Imavov matchup, Chimaev gave his former opponent little credit. He said Imavov holds the technical edge and predicted the Frenchman could avenge his 2023 loss if his conditioning holds. The UFC has not announced either a title fight or Chimaev's next opponent.