Sean Strickland said post-UFC 328 tests found a Type 2 AC separation, an extended Type V SLAP tear and partial rotator cuff damage, injuries that could sideline him for about six months.
That timeline puts Khamzat Chimaev’s preferred next fight on hold after his controversial split-decision loss to Strickland in Newark last weekend.
Chimaev’s team told ESPN the rematch is the only bout he wants right now, despite earlier talk of a move to light heavyweight.
With Strickland recovering, Chimaev is expected to stay active through his Real American Freestyle debut next month against Dillon Danis.
Will Chimaev seek revenge against Strickland or abandon the division for a fresh start at light heavyweight?
Did a brutal weight cut cost Chimaev the title more than Strickland's performance did?
With Strickland sidelined for a year, who is the rightful contender for the interim middleweight throne?