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Chimaev Unfazed By Reported Strickland-Imavov Title Fight
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Khamzat Chimaev says reports that UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland could defend against Nassourdine Imavov in December rather than facing him in a rematch don't bother him, saying his priority is simply staying busy.

"No, there's no surprise. How long has Imavov been waiting now? Probably around two years. He's already the contender. Whoever wins, we'll take him," Chimaev

Imavov has won six straight, including victories over Israel Adesanya, Caio Borralho and Brendan Allen, with his only recent loss coming against Strickland on short notice in 2023. Chimaev, who dropped the title to Strickland in May, has also named Borralho as a fighter he'd be open to facing if the rematch doesn't come together first. Chimaev first returns to action against former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley at RAF Moscow on September 5.

"Until we break everybody at 185, I'm not going anywhere," Chimaev

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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