Restless Khamzat adds three top names to middleweight hit list for UFC return — ‘I’m ready’

Khamzat Chimaev wants to rematch Sean Strickland for the middleweight title.

Unfortunately for “Borz,” the reigning champion is still sidelined with a bum shoulder and has not yet set a return date for his first 185-pound title defense. In addition, there’s no guarantee matchmakers will grant Chimaev first crack at Strickland’s crown, which is why Chimaev is expanding his middleweight hit list.

Here’s where everyone is ranked,

according to the official Meta Rankings:

Sean Strickland (Champion)

1. Khamzat Chimaev
2. Dricus Du Plessis
3. Nassourdine Imavov
4. Joe Pyfer
5. Brendan Allen
6. Caio Borralho

I would be down for Chimaev vs. Pyfer.

The 32-year-old Chimaev (15-1) won the middleweight title by manhandling Du Plessis in the UFC 319 main event last year in Chicago, but surrendered the strap to Strickland in his first title defense at UFC 328. He also helped wrap the belt around Strickland’s waist and gave “Tarzan” a bunch of post-fight hugs, effectively killing their beef.

And perhaps his chance at an immediate rematch.