Strickland On Chimaev Rematch After Shoulder Injury

Sean Strickland needs more time before defending his middleweight title.

The UFC champion, who reclaimed the 185-pound strap with a split decision over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in Newark on May 9, told fans on social media that his shoulder is still recovering from a Grade 1 AC joint separation suffered four days before the fight. "Shoulder is getting solid, need a little longer," he wrote, per MMA Mania.

Chimaev Rematch Gaining Steam

Strickland injured the joint while sparring Johnny Eblen during fight week but pushed through five rounds with Chimaev anyway. The razor-close decision has sparked calls for a rematch, and Strickland appears willing to run it back. "Chimaev keeps running his f—king mouth," he wrote. "Want me to teach you how to cut weight so you can stop bitching for a second L?"

Chimaev has complained publicly since the loss, and the bad blood makes the rematch an easy sell. Other options include a third fight with Dricus du Plessis or a bout with Nassourdine Imavov, but Strickland's social media jab suggests he favors shutting Chimaev up again.

With six numbered events left on the UFC's 2026 schedule, a December card in Las Vegas looks like the most logical landing spot for the champion's return.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Sean Strickland’s next fight? UFC Middleweight champion needs ‘little longer’ to heal, open to silencing trash-talking sore loser Khamzat Chimaev (again) – ‘Second L’