Arman Tsarukyan is not in favor with the judges’ score after Khamzat Chimaev lost the UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328.
Strickland reclaimed the belt in a split decision victory. The fight was competitive throughout, with both fighters having strong moments across the championship rounds.
Tsarukyan hints that ‘Borz’ should have won
Tsarukyan, who worked closely with Chimaev during training camp, reacted shortly after the result was announced. He hinted that Chimaev deserved the decision.
“We fought our hearts out tonight and everyone watching knows what really happened,” Tsarukyan wrote on Instagram.
“Head up Champ. You will get your belt back soon.”
Split decision sparks debate
The scorecards quickly became a talking point after the event. While Tsarukyan did not directly mention the judging, his reaction to the main event result suggested frustration with the scores.
Chimaev entered UFC 328 riding the momentum of his dominant title win over Dricus du Plessis earlier this year. Against Strickland, he struggled to consistently control the pace over five rounds.
Strickland’s takedown defense and pressure boxing helped him stay competitive deep into the fight. By the final round, momentum had shifted enough for two judges to score the bout in his favor.
Judges Eric Colon and Sal D’Amato both scored the fight 48-47 for Strickland. Their scorecards gave Strickland Rounds 2, 3, and 5. Judge Sue Sanidad saw the fight differently. She awarded Chimaev Rounds 1, 4, and 5 for a 48-47 score in favor of the now-former champion.
Questions surround Chimaev’s next move
The loss marked the first defeat of Chimaev’s professional MMA career. Even before UFC 328, speculation had already started about a possible move to light heavyweight.
After the fight, Chimaev also hinted that a rematch with Strickland could still happen, even though Dana White suggested a light-heavyweight move.
For now, Tsarukyan remains firmly in his corner as the fallout from one of the UFC’s closest title fights continues.
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