And what about Poatan? Chimaev dismisses injury rumors and sets his sights on a familiar rival in the UFC.

Chimaev celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/brwlrz

UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), Khamzat Shimaev He opened up about the injury rumors on social media and revealed that he is awaiting confirmation of his next fight in the organization. Despite having already expressed interest in facing [an opponent]. Alex Poatán In the future, the 'Chechen Wolf' indicated that he hopes to face a different rival.

In a post on his X profile, formerly Twitter, Chimaev responded to a follower who asked if he was injured. The Chechen denied any physical problems and indicated that he is awaiting confirmation of a fight against... Sean Strickland.

"No, I'm waiting for (Sean) Strickland," the Chechen stated.

No, I'm waiting for strikiland.

— Khamzat Shimaev (@KChimaev) March 1, 2026

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The question about injury came after the Chechen expressed his desire to compete in Real American Freestyle (RAF) after watching a fight of Arman TsarukyanIn the post, the middleweight champion apparently challenged Colby covington, calling him a clown.

"Next time at RAF, I'll play the humble American boy again, clown Colbi, let's go," the wrestler wrote.

Next RAF I will make American boy humble again colbiclown let's go 🦾😂

— Khamzat Shimaev (@KChimaev) March 1, 2026

A specialist in grappling, the 'Chechen Wolf' has already expressed interest in facing... Alex Poatán In the future, but UFC president Dana White isn't convinced that the middleweight champion deserves an immediate opportunity in another division.

Who will be Khamzat Chimaev's next opponent?

Alex Poatán is often linked to names such Jon Jones, Tom aspinall e Cyryl Gane, aiming for a heavyweight title fight. The Indian just wants to fight and has already stated he doesn't care who his opponent is. While the Brazilian doesn't have an opponent scheduled, the Chechen hasn't given up on the possibility of facing him.

However, since Dana White did not guarantee an immediate promotion for 'Lobo', Sean Strickland e Nassourdine Imavov They appear as potential candidates to fight for his belt.