We may not have seen the end of Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC 328 loss to Sean Strickland. The intense rivalry featured intense verbal tirades between both parties ahead of one of the year’s biggest fights. Elsewhere, controversy rocked the UFC after Arman Tsarukyan claimed that the UFC cut Chimaev’s weight to earn him qualification.
Khamzat’s brother, Arthur, added a new twist to the conversation when he claimed the fighter fought through medical inconvenience to attend the show. Considering the intense controversies and challenges surrounding fight day, it’s unsurprising that Chimaev asked White to change weight class. A new report from Chimaev’s camp, however, shows we may not see a 205-Ib move for the Georgian anytime soon.
Khamzat Chimaev’s team shares update on the fighter’s immediate interest following UFC 328 loss
After losing to Strickland by a hair’s breadth, Chimaev’s team claims he only wants an immediate rematch. The loss ceded Chimaev’s UFC middleweight championship to Strickland in a tightly-contested five-round bout.
The grudge match ended with two judges scoring 48-47 in favor of Strickland, and one scoring 48-47 in Chimaev’s favor. UFC CEO Dana White said Chimaev wants a 205-Ib move during the post-fight conference. Days after fight day, ESPN’s Brett Okamoto confirms that Chimaev’s team wants an instant rematch.
“Khamzat Chimaev’s team has told me the only fight he’s interested in or would accept right now is a rematch.”
It’s uncertain whether the UFC would grant Chimaev’s wish, especially after Chimaev described the potential 205-Ib move in positive terms. Meanwhile, it’s unclear whether Strickland’s team will tally with Chimaev’s rematch call. Following his win, Strickland reportedly acknowledged that he’d want his first title defense against Russian-French contender Nassourdine Imavov.
Despite the ugly prefight buildup that marked their first meeting, Khamzat Chimaev sportsmanly wore the belt around Strickland. The American fighter also apologized for his pre-match antics, partly alleging that the Chechen-born Chimaev misunderstood his use of words. Strickland’s “repentant” image, however, doesn’t impress White. The CEO would rather have Strickland put actions to his words. Till a rematch happens, no one can take Strickland’s bragging rights from him, however loud they may be.
