Khamzat Chimaev says 2 fighters are out of running for next UFC fight

Khamzat Chimaev has eliminated two potential opponents from his next fight after learning they are sidelined with injuries. The middleweight told Red Corner MMA that the UFC informed him both Caio Borralho and Dricus Du Plessis are currently dealing with injuries that will keep them out of competition. This development removes fighters Chimaev had previously called out as he seeks to return to action as soon as possible.

With Borralho and Du Plessis unavailable, Chimaev indicated he remains ready to face either Sean Strickland or Nassourdine Imavov, who are expected to meet for the UFC middleweight title. The Chechen-born fighter acknowledged Imavov as a deserving contender but will step in for either competitor if their scheduled title fight fails to materialize. Chimaev originally targeted a return in October but has expressed flexibility with timing, keeping his options open through the fall and into December.

The statement comes months after Chimaev suffered his first professional loss to Strickland in a stunning upset at their May title defense. Chimaev had won the middleweight crown with a dominant decision over Du Plessis the previous year, but visibly fatigued against Strickland in what was widely considered one of the sport's biggest surprises. Despite previous speculation about a potential move to light heavyweight, Chimaev has reaffirmed his commitment to competing at middleweight.