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

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UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) Khamzat Chimaev addressed injury rumors on social media and revealed that he is awaiting confirmation of his next fight in the organization. Although he has previously expressed interest in facing Alex Poatan in the future, the 'Chechen Wolf' indicated that he hopes to face a different opponent.

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 Chimaev (@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 an Arman Tsarukyan fight . In 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 Chimaev (@KChimaev) March 1, 2026

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

Who will be Khamzat Chimaev's next opponent?

Alex Poatan is frequently linked to names like Jon Jones , Tom Aspinall , and Ciryl Gane , aiming for a heavyweight title fight. The Native American just wants to fight and has stated he doesn't care who the 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 'The Wolf', Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov appear as possible candidates to fight for his belt.

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