“Borz” was recently selected for the list Sean Strickland, Nassourdine Imavov, Dricus Du Plessis and Caio Borralho for his next fight. Borralho accepted Chimaev’s challenge, proposing a November meeting at Madison Square Garden. Chimaev’s position has now changed.
Chimaev said the UFC told him Caio Borralho and Dricus Du Plessis were injured
Chimaev claims that the UFC recently informed him that Borralho and du Plessis are currently injured. Meanwhile, Imavov is expected to challenge Strickland next for the UFC middleweight title. Although Chimaev recognized Imavov as a worthy contender, he is willing to face either “Sniper” or Strickland if their title fight doesn’t work out.
“I challenge everyone,” Chimaev told Red Corner MMA. “I want to come back as soon as possible. I said before that I want to come back in October and I called Hunter. They told me that Caio and du Plessis are injured. We’ll see what happens; I don’t know exactly. Maybe Imavov and Strickland won’t fight and I’ll be ready.”
Chimaev (15-1) won the middleweight title last year with a dominant unanimous decision win over du Plessis. “Borz” was a huge favorite coming into his first title defense against Strickland last May. But Chimaev was obviously tired and suffered his first professional loss against Strickland in a huge upset. Although the UFC CEO Dana White had initially said Chimaev wanted to move up, the Chechen-born fighter has reiterated his desire to stay at 185 pounds.
Finally someone called my name! My brother you know I love you and I’m ready for MSG November or T Mobile December! Just let me know ❤️ https://t.co/wKL2mq4tZe
— Caio Borralho (@BorralhoCaio)
31 August 2026
🚨Khamzat Chimaev says he can’t resist either Caio Borralho or Dricus Du Plessis in his next fight. Speaking to Red Corner MMA after RAF’s win in Moscow, Borz expressed his hope to bounce back Sean Strickland or Nassourdine Imavov when their fight fails. pic.twitter.com/noOlM7russ
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA)
September 6, 2026
