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Khamzat Chimaev has revealed that he could take a break from MMA if he fails to secure another UFC fight before the end of 2026.
The former UFC middleweight champion is eager to return following his first professional defeat against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May. However, Chimaev says his body has reached a point where he may need to step away and finally deal with several injuries and surgeries that he has been postponing.
Khamzat Chimaev Wants One More Fight in 2026
Chimaev initially hoped to return in October, with Abu Dhabi among the locations he had been targeting. With no fight currently booked, however, the 32 year old has shifted his focus toward December. Speaking to Adam Zubayraev, Chimaev explained that he is still trying to secure a fight but does not want to wait indefinitely.
“If nothing happens in October or December, I think I’ll take a little break,” Chimaev said.
The comments do not represent a retirement announcement. Instead, Chimaev appears prepared to use the time away to address physical problems that have followed him through much of his career.
Injuries Have Become a Recurring Problem
Chimaev’s latest comments provide more insight into why his return has become uncertain. The former champion said he has several injuries that need treatment and admitted that he has repeatedly postponed surgeries so that he can continue fighting.
“I have a lot of injuries that I need to get treated,” Chimaev said, explaining that he has gone into fights with some type of physical problem.
He also revealed that he has undergone six surgeries and seven instances of anesthesia. Chimaev said he does not usually like discussing his health problems publicly, despite frequently dealing with illness and injuries. That history adds important context to his recent inactivity.
The Middleweight Division Is Moving On
The biggest problem for Chimaev is that the UFC middleweight division cannot wait for him. Sean Strickland currently holds the championship after defeating Chimaev, while Nassourdine Imavov is widely expected to be involved in the next title fight. Chimaev has previously expressed interest in fighting Strickland again, but a rematch is unlikely to happen immediately if Imavov receives the next opportunity.
Khamzat Chimaev had also considered several other opponents. Caio Borralho publicly accepted a potential fight and suggested meeting Chimaev at Madison Square Garden in November. However, Chimaev later said the UFC told him Borralho and former champion Dricus Du Plessis were dealing with injuries. That leaves Chimaev waiting for the UFC to find another option.
Chimaev Still Wants the Title Back
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his return, Chimaev has not abandoned his championship ambitions. His defeat to Strickland was the first loss of his professional career and ended his reign as middleweight champion. Before that setback, Chimaev had built an unbeaten record while establishing himself as one of the most dangerous wrestlers and submission threats in the UFC.
A return fight would therefore be important for rebuilding his position at 185 pounds. Chimaev has made it clear that he is willing to fight a top contender rather than simply wait for an immediate title rematch. However, if the UFC cannot provide him with an opponent by December, he appears ready to prioritize his health instead.
A Break Could Be the Right Decision
For Chimaev, stepping away could ultimately be more beneficial than rushing back. He has acknowledged that he has repeatedly competed while carrying injuries and has delayed surgeries in order to remain active. Another training camp without properly addressing those problems could create further complications.
A period away from competition would give him an opportunity to recover and return without the physical issues that have affected his preparation. At 32, Chimaev still has time to rebuild his career. A fully healthy version of the former champion would remain one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC middleweight division.
For now, however, his next fight depends on two things: whether the UFC can find him an opponent and whether his body is ready for another camp. Chimaev wants to compete again before the end of 2026. If that does not happen, he says he will take a break, undergo the treatment he has been putting off and return when he is ready.
His immediate future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Khamzat Chimaev is not walking away from MMA. He may simply need to step away from it for a while first.
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