Chimaev Vows to Chase Strickland to Any Weight Class for Rematch

Khamzat Chimaev is not letting go of Sean Strickland. The former UFC middleweight champion, who lost his belt to Strickland in a narrow split decision at UFC 328 in May — his first professional defeat — has vowed to follow the champion to any weight class if Strickland vacates the title amid his pay dispute with the promotion. "If he goes up to 205, I'll go after him and take his head," Chimaev told MMA Fighting, adding he would even move to heavyweight if Strickland went higher. "This guy is not going to run from me." Chimaev remains adamant the May verdict was wrong, insisting, "I won the match but they took my belt," and claimed he earned five times Strickland's purse that night. The Chechen star also made the commercial case for the sequel, saying, "They're gonna pay good for our fight. That's why I go after [him]. It's a big check." Strickland, meanwhile, has been feuding publicly with the UFC over fighter pay, suggesting he could vacate the belt and move up to light heavyweight to fight out his contract quickly, even floating a boxing match with Jake Paul. UFC CEO Dana White has countered that Strickland only signed a new deal in May. With Nassourdine Imavov expected to get the first title shot, Chimaev may have to wait — but he says he is training and ready to fight either man, or the winner.