Chimaev hints at hiatus if no fight booked by December

Former UFC middleweight champion Hamzat Chimaev has said he may step away from competition for a while if no fight is arranged for him by December.

Chimaev lost the middleweight title to Sean Strickland by split decision at UFC 328 and has been pushing for an immediate rematch, but that has not materialized. Strickland is expected to defend the belt against Nassourdine Imavov around year's end.

Chimaev had been seeking a fight against Caio Borralho or Dricus du Plessis as an alternative, should Imavov earn a title shot. After speaking with UFC matchmakers, however, he learned that both Borralho and du Plessis are sidelined by injuries and unavailable for now.

With those options closed off, Chimaev said a break has become his third alternative. Speaking in an interview Sunday (local time), he told combat sports outlet Red Corner MMA: "If nothing happens in October or December, I'll take a rest for a while. I have a lot of injuries that need treatment. I go into every fight with some kind of problem. People already know that."

He added: "I get sick a lot. I only have half a thyroid. I've been under general anesthesia seven times and had six surgeries. The Almighty has decided this for me. Still, I have to live my life."

Chimaev has repeatedly urged the UFC to keep him active by booking a matchup, but no announcement has been forthcoming.