Chimaev Set For Rapid Comeback After Strickland UFC 328 Defeat

Former champion Khamzat Chimaev is wasting no time after suffering the first defeat of his professional MMA career. Just days after losing the belt at UFC 328, the Chechen-born fighter already has another date circled.

The loss still stings. Sean Strickland reclaimed the crown in a brutal five-round battle that pushed both men to the limit. Scorecards read 48-47, 48-47 and 47-48. It was very close, but the title changed hands.

Inside the arena, the mood shifted round by round. Chimaev stormed through the opening frame with relentless wrestling pressure. Fans watching cageside thought the fight was slipping away from Strickland early. Then everything changed.

That second round flipped the contest completely.

Strickland shut down takedowns, forced exchanges on the feet and slowly dragged momentum back to his side. By the championship rounds, Chimaev looked exhausted. You could see the frustration written across his face when the final horn sounded.

Chimaev Moves Quickly After UFC 328 Defeat

Now comes the response. The Khamzat Chimaev return will happen at RAF 10 on June 13 in St. Louis, Missouri, where he is scheduled to face Dillon Danis, Conor McGregor’s longtime training partner. Chimaev is also expected to headline the card.

The event suddenly carries major attention because fans still cannot stop talking about the UFC 328 middleweight title clash. Social media exploded after the result, especially with questions surrounding Chimaev’s weight cut before fight night.

Dana White added more fuel afterward. The UFC boss revealed Chimaev told him a move to light heavyweight could be next. That sparked immediate debate online.

Meanwhile, the UFC 328 middleweight title picture looks completely different now. Strickland sits back on top, Du Plessis remains close behind, and Chimaev appears ready to rebuild outside the UFC spotlight before making another run.

Arman Tsarukyan and Tony Ferguson are also expected on the same RAF 10 card, while Aaron Pico faces Lance Palmer in another high-profile matchup. Still, all eyes will stay fixed on Chimaev.

Because after that loss, everyone wants to know what version of him shows up next.