Khamzat Chimaev has made his intentions clear about who he’ll face in his first middleweight title defense. Taking to Twitter, the undefeated champion called out Nassourdine Imavov.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Next Opponent Named
Sending a message that carries confidence and a pointed jab at the French contender’s wrestling. “See you after Ramadan @imavov1 You have time work on your wrestling Bratishka,” Chimaev posted, with the fight now plannedfor 2026.
The announcement comes as Chimaev revealed a delay in his return timeline due to a foot operation. Currently in Doha, Qatar, the champion told Adam Zubayraev that he’ll be stepping back from training for a few weeks before undergoing the minor surgical procedure.