Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev set for rematch?

The middleweight division faces a difficult decision as multiple contenders chase the UFC title

Sean Strickland has hinted that he would grant Khamzat Chimaev’s wishes and actually face him upon his return to the Octagon.

After Sean Strickland pulled off a huge upset by handing Khamzat Chimaev his first career loss and subsequently being crowned the new UFC champion, Khamzat Chimaev frequently called for a rematch to reclaim the title.

However, Sean Strickland was injured in that fight and was forced to step away for the time being. A potential one-year layoff was expected, but many suspect he’ll return sooner than that based on his frequent updates. On social media, Sean Strickland wrote:

"Shoulder is getting solid, need a little longer. As to who I'm fighting... Chimaev keeps running his f***ing mouth"

He also poked fun at the fact that Khamzat Chimaev initially failed to make weight and then complained about the limit. After the fight, Dana White even revealed that Khamzat Chimaev had considered moving down to light heavyweight, though he apparently put that idea behind him.

These comments from Sean Strickland naturally fueled the rumors of a rematch once again, but how realistic is that really?

The rivalry between the two fighters would likely be reason enough for the UFC to schedule a bout, especially since Sean Strickland apparently would be up for it. However, the division’s No. 3 contender, Nassourdine Imavov, is also waiting for his title shot and is interested in fighting Sean Strickland as well.

"You'll do what you're told. See you soon"

Nassourdine Imavov wrote in response to Sean Strickland's post.

Dricus Du Plessis is also a contender who would say he deserves a title shot. He has already defeated Sean Strickland twice in his career and is coming off a successful fight against Kamaru Usman.

So it’s a heated situation. It remains to be seen who will ultimately face Sean Strickland when he returns.

I think a rematch between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland would be a huge fight, but from a sporting perspective, it wouldn't be the fairest decision. Nassourdine Imavov and Dricus Du Plessis both have a case for a title shot. However, I think the UFC will likely go with the bigger fight, since the rivalry between these two is already so intense.