Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland were unexpectedly cordial at UFC 328.
There was a fairly endless amount of personal insults traded and bad blood exchanged in the lead up to their five-round Middleweight title fight, yet the duo still touched gloves at the start of the fight. As the bout wore on and both men grew bloody, they showed respect with further glove touches. After the bout concluded and Strickland was named the victor in a stunning upset (scorecards here), Khamzat wrapped the belt around
his opponent’s waist, while Strickland apologized for his words in his post-fight interview.
Not everybody was impressed by the display of civility, and there’s been some backlash towards Strickland for openly admitting that he was trying to sell the fight. Speaking to his fans on social media, Khamzat explained his decision to forgive Strickland.
“And regarding that guy — he said a lot of unnecessary things,” Khamzat said on his Instagram story. “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. I’m not an oppressor so that I would refuse to forgive.”
Though the beef has concluded (for now), that may not be the end of the sporting rivalry. Though he initially announced his intention of jumping to 205 pounds, Khamzat has since stated his desire for an immediate rematch as well. Which direction he goes — as well as which direction the UFC wants him to go — remains to be seen.
