Khamzat Chimaev says if he doesn’t get a fight by December, he’s taking time off: ‘I have a lot of injuries’

Khamzat Chimaev is pushing for a fight before the end of 2024, but warns he'll step back to address accumulated injuries if the UFC doesn't book him by December.

Chimaev's comeback has stalled since his shock split-decision loss to Sean Strickland in May at UFC 328, where the middleweight title was on the line. Initially eager for an immediate rematch, Chimaev has since watched the promotion move on—reportedly offering Nassourdine Imavov the next shot at Strickland instead. Frustrated by the delay, Chimaev told Adam Zubayrev he's willing to fight anyone, anywhere, just to stay active and earn money while working back toward another title opportunity.

"If they gave it to him, then they gave it to him," Chimaev said of Imavov's rumored title shot. "I said, 'Give me someone to fight. Let me make some money and get my belt back as soon as possible.'" He expressed interest in competing in Abu Dhabi and was targeting October or December bouts, but as of his interview, no opponent had been confirmed.

The Swedish-born fighter has been candid about the toll fighting takes on his body. He's undergone six surgeries, spent seven periods under anesthesia, and is missing half his thyroid gland—ailments he's typically kept private. Rather than soldier through more damage, Chimaev says he'll use a post-December break to finally address lingering injuries he's carried into recent fights.

Regarding Strickland versus Imavov, Chimaev believes Imavov has the skill edge, particularly in striking. However, he remains convinced the Strickland loss was an anomaly, replaying the bout repeatedly and unable to reconcile how Strickland prevailed.