Days after losing the UFC middleweight title, Khamzat Chimaev is explaining why there’s no lingering bad blood between him and Sean Strickland.
The heated rivalry between the two middleweights dominated headlines leading into UFC 328. Trash talk escalated throughout fight week, with both fighters exchanging personal shots before finally settling things inside the cage last Saturday night.
Strickland ultimately walked away with a narrow split decision victory to capture the championship. But moments after the fight ended, the tension between both men quickly disappeared as they embraced in the Octagon.
That reaction sparked criticism from some fans online, who accused the fighters of exaggerating their rivalry to help promote the event.
Chimaev Says the Fight Ended Inside the Cage
Speaking on Instagram Stories, Chimaev addressed the backlash directly and explained why he chose to forgive Strickland after the fight.
According to Chimaev, once the fight is over, so is the conflict. His opponent, Sean Strickland, said this as well.
“And regarding that guy — he said a lot of unnecessary things,” Chimaev said on his Instagram Stories (translation via Home of Fight). “People were asking why I shook his hand and why I put the belt on him afterward.
“We don’t have the habit of talking or fighting after a loss. If we fight, we fight inside the cage, and we fought as best as we could.”
The rivalry became one of the biggest storylines attached to UFC 328, especially after several tense exchanges during interviews and media appearances. Chimaev, however, said there was no reason to continue carrying anger after the contest was finished.
Forgiveness Played a Major Role
Chimaev also revealed that Strickland apologized to him after the fight for comments made during the buildup.
That apology was enough for the former champion to move on.
“What Allah has decided is no longer in our control,” Chimaev said. “That guy lowered his head and asked for forgiveness. If a person asks for forgiveness, I can forgive him.
“I’m not an oppressor so that I would refuse to forgive.”
While fans may continue debating whether the rivalry became too personal or overly promotional, Chimaev made it clear he has no interest in extending the feud beyond fight night.