Khamzat Chimaev wants 2026 return to UFC or he's taking 'a little break'

Khamzat Chimaev wants to get back in the octagon this year.

Former UFC middleweight champion Chimaev (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) is eager to get back in the cage after losing the belt to Sean Strickland in his first career loss at UFC 328 in May. He said he's made himself available to compete anywhere from October to December, yet has not received any official word about what's next.

Chimaev has been open about his health issues over the years, which at one point led to a brief retirement from MMA. Maintaining his physical situation is key, and if not offered something soon, "The Wolf" said he will make himself unavailable.

“If nothing happens in October or December, I’ll take a little break," Chimaev told Adam Zubayraev on The Hustle Show. "I have a lot of injuries that I need to get treated. I go into every fight with some kind of problem. People already know that.

"I just get sick often. I don’t have half of my thyroid gland. I’ve been under anesthesia seven times and had six surgeries. The Almighty has ordained this for me. I still have to live my life.”

On one point, Chimaev was solely campaigning for a rematch with Strickland next. He then expanded his list of potential foes and was engaging in a potential showdown with fellow 185-pound contender Caio Borralho.

Chimaev, 32, fought just once in 2025 and his defeat to Strickland has been his sole appearance of 2026.