• Chael Sonnen says middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev enjoys keeping his plans unclear.
  • Chimaev has not announced his next fight since beating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319.
  • Potential opponents mentioned: Nassourdine Imavov, Sean Strickland, and Alex Pereira.

Chimaev’s silence fuels speculation

UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has kept the MMA world waiting. Since dethroning Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August, Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) has given little concrete information about his next move. That silence, Chael Sonnen says, might be deliberate.

Sonnen, speaking on The Schmo, told fans he believes Chimaev enjoys the uncertainty surrounding him. “There’s always a rumor around Chimaev,” Sonnen said, pointing to everything from visa delays to Ramadan as recurring explanations for the hold-ups. Sonnen added he thinks Chimaev likes that fans and media have to wonder about his plans.

Who’s next for the champion?

Several names have surfaced as possible challengers. Chimaev has acknowledged Nassourdine Imavov as a top contender. Imavov’s stock has risen after strong performances, and Sonnen called him “fantastic,” suggesting a matchup could make sense.

Another potential path includes former champion Sean Strickland. A pivotal bout between Strickland and Anthony Hernandez at UFC Fight Night 267 on Feb. 21 could shape the division and clarify Chimaev’s next opponent. Sonnen referenced Strickland’s earlier win over Anthony Hernandez as a result that looks better with time, hinting that the winner may be in line for a shot at Chimaev.

Chimaev has also continued to call out light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira, leaving open the possibility of a cross-divisional showdown if schedules and contracts align.

Sonnen: mystery as a marketing tool

Sonnen framed Chimaev’s opacity not just as personal preference, but as a savvy tactic. “I think he enjoys that we, the fans, have to wonder,” Sonnen said. The analyst acknowledged the tactic can work in favor of a fighter’s brand, keeping attention and debate alive even without official announcements.

That approach carries risk. Prolonged silence can frustrate fans, create booking logjams, and let contenders build momentum while the champion remains inactive. For Chimaev, the balance between mystique and momentum will matter as the UFC maps the middleweight landscape in 2026.

Watch: Sonnen on The Schmo

Watch Chael Sonnen’s full remarks on The Schmo here: https://youtu.be/oC3TgnvfKUM?si=w9TfE-oCmtdloBtO

What to watch next

  • UFC Fight Night 267 (Feb. 21) — Strickland vs. Hernandez could determine Chimaev’s next challenger.
  • Updates from Chimaev’s camp on visas, training, or scheduling.
  • Any official match announcements from the UFC that end the speculation.

Chimaev’s mystery keeps headlines rolling. Whether it’s intentional showmanship or genuine delays, the champion’s next steps will shape the middleweight division and answer the questions analysts like Chael Sonnen are publicly groaning about.

Image Referance: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2026/01/14/ufc-chael-sonnen-groans-khamzat-chimaev-enigma/88174860007/