Sean Strickland’s next fight? UFC Middleweight champion needs ‘little longer’ to heal, open to silencing trash-talking sore loser Khamzat Chimaev (again) – ‘Second L’

Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC Middleweight (185-pound) title by defeating Khamzat Chimaev via split decision at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Nearly three months after the fight, Strickland says he needs a little more time to heal before returning to competition. He has expressed openness to a rematch against Chimaev, who has been vocal in defeat, potentially handing him a second consecutive loss.