Chimaev Rules Out Borralho and Du Plessis, Eyes Strickland Rematch

Khamzat Chimaev has drawn a line through two names for his next assignment. Speaking to Red Corner MMA after a RAF win in Moscow, the top-ranked UFC middleweight said he won't be fighting Caio Borralho or Dricus Du Plessis, instead pointing at either Sean Strickland or Nassourdine Imavov should their own matchup fall through. Chimaev even name-checked venues — Madison Square Garden in November or T-Mobile Arena in December.

It's a pointed list from a man sitting at 15-1 (6 KO, 6 SUB). The one blemish on that record is a split-decision loss to Strickland, which explains the appetite for a rematch. Chimaev is the division's No. 1 contender; Du Plessis is No. 2, Imavov No. 3 and Borralho No. 5. Passing on Du Plessis and Borralho while chasing Strickland or Imavov tells you exactly which fights Chimaev thinks move the needle.

The Strickland Angle

The Strickland call is the interesting one. Chimaev already shares a fight with him, and that split verdict is the only "1" in his ledger. Strickland, for his part, has never been shy about a rematch. Running it back would let Chimaev try to erase the sole defeat on an otherwise pristine sheet — and it's a bout that sells itself in either arena he mentioned.

Imavov is the alternative, and he's earned the look. The No. 3 middleweight is 17-4 (7 KO, 4 SUB) and coming off a unanimous-decision win over Borralho. That result matters here: it's part of the reason Chimaev is comfortable waving off Borralho, who dropped to 18-2 in that loss despite being one of the division's more dangerous prospects.

As for Du Plessis, the snub is notable given he sits directly behind Chimaev at No. 2. Du Plessis is 24-3 with 11 submissions and just outpointed Kamaru Usman by decision. On paper it's a marquee fight. Chimaev clearly has other priorities.

The catch, of course, is that Chimaev's wishlist depends on a domino falling — his stated preference hinges on the Strickland–Imavov booking not happening. That's a lot of conditions for a man who usually just wants to fight. Whether the UFC gives him MSG in November or Vegas in December, Chimaev's message is simple: point him at the top of the pile, not the middle.