Khamzat Chimaev has explained the moment that confused fans at UFC 328 and made clear that while he has moved past the animosity with Sean Strickland, he has not moved past the result.
In a video posted to his Instagram Stories, Chimaev addressed the widespread questioning of whether his feud with Strickland was genuine, pointing to a post-fight apology from Strickland as the reason he was willing to shake hands and place the belt around his opponent’s waist.
“A lot of people were concerned. We will not give up. We will keep winning again, if it is Allah’s will, and we will keep training. The motivation is still there. We still want to take the belt. 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 fought as best as we could. 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.”
The forgiveness has not translated into acceptance of the loss. Per ESPN, Chimaev’s team has confirmed that a rematch with Strickland is the only fight he will consider right now.
“The rematch with Sean Strickland is the only fight that Khamzat wants, he is obsessed with it. That’s the only fight he will accept right now.”
Whether the UFC grants an immediate rematch is unclear given that Strickland already has a heated feud with Nassourdine Imavov ready to be made, as well as the possibility of a trilogy with Dricus du Plessis, who holds two wins over the new champion.