UFC President Says Rematch Between Chimaev and Strickland Remains Undecided

UFC president Dana White said the organization has not decided whether to schedule an immediate rematch between middleweight title challenger Khamzat Chimaev and champion Sean Strickland. White spoke after Strickland defeated Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 in Newark.

"Khamzat, right now, is asking for the rematch with Strickland. We don't know what we're going to do yet. Strickland will fight anybody," White said. Chimaev first suggested moving to light heavyweight after the loss, then requested the rematch. White confirmed the request but gave no timeline for a decision.

White described Strickland's position as straightforward.

The champion has defeated both Dricus du Plessis and Chimaev in consecutive title bouts as the underdog and has stated he will accept any opponent the promotion assigns. The next middleweight title fight therefore depends on whether the UFC grants Chimaev the rematch, moves him to light heavyweight, or selects a different mandatory challenger.