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Israel Adesanya shares what Khamzat Chimaev might be planning after UFC 328

Originally posted on HITC | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 4:42 PM ET

Israel Adesanya says he’s heard some interesting talk about what the UFC middleweight champion might do next.

Khamzat Chimaev is set to defend his title for the first time in May, headlining UFC 328. He took the belt from Dricus du Plessis in Chicago last August and has held it ever since.

To retain his title, Chimaev will need to get past Sean Strickland, who earned another shot at the belt after beating Anthony Hernandez.

Strickland had previously lost to Du Plessis before he became champion but got himself back in the mix with wins over Paulo Costa and then Hernandez.

Khamzat Chimaev may soon be exiting the middleweight division, according to Israel Adesanya

Adesanya believes Chimaev is already considering a move away from middleweight.

The former champion is preparing for his own return after more than a year away, following a third consecutive defeat, this time to Nassourdine Imavov.

Strickland will be looking to regain his title in the upcoming fight and Adesanya isn’t ruling out his chances against Chimaev, especially given their shared history. The two faced off back in 2023, with Strickland coming out on top.

“I’ll leave that to Rob (Whittaker),” Adesanya said during Wednesday’s UFC Seattle media day when asked about a potential return to light heavyweight.

“And apparently Chimaev is going (up). I found out yesterday he might be going up. I don’t know, I like 185 (pounds). This is where I’m at, this is where I reigned. So I’m gonna stay,” he added.

After suffering defeats to Strickland, Du Plessis and Imavov in succession, he’ll step into the Octagon again to face Joe Pyfer at the Climate Pledge Arena this weekend.

If he manages a strong performance against ‘Bodybagz’, there’s a chance we could see him climb back towards title contention, making UFC 328’s main event even more relevant for his future plans.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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