Khamzat Chimaev is considering a surprise boxing match against Conor McGregor while preparing for his first title defense in the UFC. Chimaev will defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Chimaev holds an undefeated record of 15-0 in MMA and 9-0 in the UFC. He won the middleweight title by defeating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, where he controlled the fight for over 20 minutes. His performance showcased his grappling skills and striking ability.
Key facts about Khamzat Chimaev:
- Chimaev’s weight class is 185 pounds.
- He has expressed interest in a boxing match under Zuffa Boxing.
- He stated, “I will be forever a UFC fighter,” emphasizing his commitment to MMA.
- Khalil Rountree Jr., who trained with Chimaev, praised him as “the best in the world.”
Yet, despite his interest in boxing, Chimaev insists he is not planning a transition to that sport. He remains focused on defending his title against Strickland. Dana White has indicated that there are still significant matchups available for Chimaev at middleweight.
Chimaev’s mindset going into this title defense is clear—he considers himself “still the hunter.” This mentality drives him to maintain high standards in training and competition. However, uncertainties remain regarding his potential move to light heavyweight.
McGregor has not competed since 2021 and has fought only four times since 2017. The prospect of a boxing match between these two fighters has generated interest among fans, but no official plans have been confirmed yet.