Khamzat Chimaev

By FCF Staff

It’s not clear yet, when and who Khamzat Chimaev will fight next. But, it’s being reported the rising star turned down the opportunity to fight former UFC middleweight champ, Luke Rockhold.

The undefeated Chimaev hasn’t competed now since September 2020, when he knocked out middleweight, Gerald Meerschaert. Since then, however, Chimaev has been sidelined due to medical issues stemming from COVID-19. The virus prevented Chimaev from fighting top welterweight contender, Leon Edwards.

Recently, Ariel Helwani reported that Rockhold (16-5) told him Chimaev (9-0) was offered both a five and three-round, middleweight fight with the former champ in August.  Chimaev reportedly declined, however, since he intends to compete at welterweight.

Rockhold, meanwhile, hasn’t fought since 2019, when he was knocked out by now reigning, light heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz.