Chimaev at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/Khamzat Shimaev
Khamzat Shimaev He may have met his first challenger for the belt in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). Sean Strickland derrotou anthony hernandez in a decisive way in the main fight of UFC Houston, held last Saturday (21), and took an important step towards a new title fight, a situation that, it seems, turned on the competitive mode of 'Lobo'.
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In a video posted by Baysangur Susurkaev on social media, Khamzat Shimaev appears at the Santo Performance Studio academy alongside Khalil rountree While watching the outcome of the main event fight. In the images, 'Lobo' walks from one side to the other while Strickland gives a speech on a screen after knocking out Hernandez.
Khamzat Shimaev was listening closely to Sean Strickland's post-fight speech 👀🔥 #UFCHouston
(Via Susurkaev_ dikiy) pic.twitter.com/LzajdsBNiU
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 22, 2026
Who should be Khamzat Chimaev's next opponent in the UFC?
Besides Sean Strickland, Nassourdine Imavov is another name being considered to face Khamzat Shimaev for the middleweight belt. The Frenchman comes from a victory over Caio Borralho No. UFC Paris and currently holds the top position in the category ranking.
Although he has yet to defend his middleweight title, Chimaev has made it clear that he wants to move up a weight class to pursue his second belt. If this plan materializes, three possibilities arise in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg): a fight against... Alex Poatán, the current champion in the category, or matches against Jiri Procházka and Carlos Ulberg, the main challengers, especially considering the Brazilian's interest in migrating to the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg).
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