Khamzat Chimaev has finally shed light on his surprisingly amicable post-fight interaction with Sean Strickland after their UFC 328 middleweight championship bout.
The highly anticipated main event saw Chimaev lose a closely contested split decision to Strickland after a grueling five-round battle. The pre-fight buildup was characterized by intense personal insults, escalating to a point where Chimaev even kicked Strickland during a heavily secured press conference, intensifying the animosity leading up to the fight.
However, once the Octagon doors closed, the former training partners turned rivals surprised many by touching gloves multiple times throughout the match. Following the decision, Chimaev displayed significant sportsmanship by placing the championship belt on Strickland’s waist, and both sides engaged in a respectful exchange.
Khamzat Chimaev has now disclosed the catalyst for this sudden shift in his demeanor post-fight.
Khamzat Chimaev Explains His Smiles and Sportsmanship Towards Sean Strickland Post-UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev recently took to social media to discuss his UFC 328 clash with Sean Strickland. He revealed that their post-fight embrace stemmed from Strickland’s apology for his pre-fight comments, prompting the former middleweight champion to take the high road and let the past go.
“And regarding that guy, he said a lot of unnecessary things. 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 fight as best as we can. What Allah has decided is no longer in our control. 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 I would refuse to forgive.”
Following the fight, the outspoken American fighter approached Chimaev’s corner and was overheard apologizing for his harsh pre-fight statements. He further reiterated his apology during his post-fight Octagon interview, publicly burying the hatchet.
“I just want to apologize to my American fans, to my Muslim fans, and my Christian fans. I went too f*cking hard. I’ll admit it. I respect all of you guys. Chechnya has great fighters. They’re savage. He’s a f*cking savage.”
