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Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev seems open to fighting another top contender and not fighting Sean Strickland next. Khamzat Chimaev suffered the first loss of his otherwise stellar career earlier this year to Sean Strickland at UFC 328. Chimaev lost in his first UFC middleweight title defense after winning the belt against Dricus du Plessis last year at UFC 319. After the loss, Chimaev told UFC CEO Dana White that he intended to move to the light heavyweight division following a brutal cut to 185 lbs. But Chimaev has since changed his mind about moving to 205 and called for an immediate rematch against the newly crowned champion Strickland. With top contender Nassourdine Imavov waiting in the wings, Strickland vs. Chimaev 2 could further delay the French star’s desired title shot. But Chimaev hinted that he’s open to squaring off against another top middleweight to prepare to face the Strickland vs. Imavov winner. Khamzat Chimaev calls out Caio Borralho, others as he pivots away from Sean Strickland rematch In a recent tweet, Chimaev called for the UFC matchmakers to book him a fight against one of the four top middleweights. “I’m ready. Let me know when you are ready,” Chimaev said. “Sean, Dricus, Nassourdine, Caio.” Strickland could potentially return by the end of the year after undergoing surgery for an injury suffered before the Chimaev fight. Meanwhile, Imavov hasn’t fought since defeating Caio Borralho at UFC Paris last year. As for Borralho, he most recently defeated Reinier de Ridder at UFC 324 earlier this year. The former Dana White’s Contender Series standout earned recent wins over Abus Magomedov, Paul Craig, and Jared Cannonier. The UFC’s matchmakers are in the process of finalizing the remainder of the year’s fight slate, with upcoming major events in Abu Dhabi and New York City. In the meantime, Chimaev’s planned return to the Octagon could come on one of those high-profile cards. Who should Khamzat Chimaev fight in his UFC return? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM