Sports · Combat Sports · 15 hrs ago
Chimaev disputes loss to Strickland and says he is the real champion
Khamzat Chimaev says he is still the real champion after losing the UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland.
The fight took place at UFC 328 in May, and Strickland won by split decision.
Chimaev was a strong favorite, but appeared fatigued after a failed takedown attempt, and Strickland outstruck him.
Chimaev's team later suggested he had health issues before the fight, though they went ahead with it.
Chimaev disputes the result and wants a rematch, while saying he is ready to fight and waiting for the UFC to call.
Strickland is expected to face Nassourdine Imavov next, if his negotiations with the UFC are resolved.
Khamzat Chimaev says he does not accept his loss to Sean Strickland and considers himself the real champion.
Strickland defeated Chimaev by split decision for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328 in May.
Chimaev says he is ready to fight and waiting for the UFC to arrange a bout.
Strickland is expected to defend the title against Nassourdine Imavov if his negotiations with the UFC are resolved.
- Who
- Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland.
- What
- Chimaev disputes his split-decision loss to Strickland and says he is the real champion.
- When
- The fight took place in May; Chimaev made the quoted comments in an interview reported on November 8, 2026.
- Where
- UFC 328. The venue is not stated.
- Why
- Chimaev disputes the result and wants to reclaim the championship.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328.
Chimaev told MMA Junkie that he did not lose to Strickland and called himself the real champion.
- Chimaev's record
- 15-1
- Strickland's record
- 31-7
- Event
- UFC 328
- Result
- Strickland won by split decision
- Next expected title defense
- Strickland against Nassourdine Imavov
What people are saying
I didn't lose the match [to Strickland]
I am the real champion.
Posts on X
Khamzat Chimaev wants to fight "very soon" and is waiting for UFC to give him a fight. "I didn't lose the match (to Strickland). I am the real champion." (via @Farah_Hannoun)