Khamzat Chimaev accepts surprising fight offer from top UFC contender after losing middleweight title

Khamzat Chimaev (Image Source: Getty)

Khamzat Chimaev could already have his next UFC opponent lined up. The former middleweight champion has appeared open to a fight with Caio Borralho, who recently called for the matchup and offered two possible dates for the showdown. If it happens, the fight would mark Chimaev’s first appearance since losing his title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328. The matchup would also give both fighters plenty to fight for. Borralho is currently No. 6 in the Meta UFC middleweight rankings, while Chimaev remains the UFC’s No. 12 pound-for-pound fighter. More importantly, both men are coming from very different points in their careers, with Borralho pushing toward the title picture and Chimaev trying to get back to the belt.

Caio Borralho puts UFC 334 and UFC 335 on the table

Borralho made his intentions pretty clear after Chimaev recently mentioned possible opponents on social media. The Brazilian contender quickly jumped at the opportunity and directly called for the former champion.“Finally someone called my name! My brother u know I love you, and I’m ready MSG November or T Mobile December! Just let me know,” Borralho wrote.That gives the UFC two obvious options if the promotion decides to book the fight. UFC 334 is scheduled for Madison Square Garden, while UFC 335 will take place at T-Mobile Arena. They are also set to be the final two major UFC cards of 2026.Borralho has a reason to believe he belongs in that conversation. He started his UFC run with seven straight wins before losing a decision to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Paris last year. He bounced back at UFC 326, defeating Reinier de Ridder by unanimous decision.

Chimaev’s plans have changed since the title loss

The biggest twist is what Chimaev originally said after his defeat.Following the split-decision loss to Strickland, Chimaev indicated that he planned to move up to light heavyweight. That plan now appears to have changed. At 32, he instead seems interested in staying at middleweight and making another run toward the championship.A fight against Borralho would fit that route. It wouldn’t be an immediate rematch with Strickland, but it could put Chimaev back into the contender mix while giving Borralho a huge opportunity at 185 pounds.There is also a separate question hanging over the division: who gets the next title shot if Chimaev fights Borralho?

Who could challenge Sean Strickland next?

Nassourdine Imavov currently sits at No. 3 in the Meta UFC middleweight rankings and owns five straight wins. His latest victory came against Borralho, while his earlier career includes a short-notice loss to Strickland in 2023.Dricus du Plessis is ranked No. 2 and already has two wins over Strickland, making him another obvious name in the title picture. Then there’s Joe Pyfer at No. 4, who stopped Israel Adesanya at UFC Seattle in March.So, if Chimaev and Borralho do meet, the middleweight title picture could take another turn. For now, Borralho is preparing for “big news” this month, while Chimaev appears willing to answer his call.