Khamzat Chimaev Eyes Title Return, Explains Minor Hand Injuries

Khamzat Chimaev wants nothing more than to regain the UFC middleweight championship, though he understands an immediate title shot is unlikely. While keeping busy with RAF—including a showdown against Gilbert Burns on Saturday in Miami—Chimaev addressed his health and future plans in an interview with MMA Fighting.

Chimaev made it clear that his current injuries will not lead to a prolonged absence. "It’s not crazy big injuries where you need to be off from sparring," Chimaev said. "I punch hard so I always have problems with my hands and I have to fix it.

It’s not going to take a long time but people think Khamzat is not going to fight. If I do break off, it’s going to be one or two months. Still going to be doing recovery, training."

While the UFC has made no official announcements, middleweight champion Sean Strickland is rumored to defend his title against Nassourdine Imavov before year's end. With the title picture occupied, Chimaev sought other matchups and said Caio Borralho accepted a potential fight. According to Chimaev, Borralho was injured when an October date was proposed but indicated he would be ready by November or December. Regardless of who holds the belt between Strickland—who previously defeated Chimaev via close decision—and Imavov, Chimaev stated he simply wants the title back against whichever winner is ready faster.