Getty/UFC
Khamzat
Chimaev was a man of few words following his upset loss to
Sean
Strickland in the UFC 328
main event.
After relinquishing the middleweight title in a split-decision
defeat on Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey,
Chimaev exited the Octagon without doing the post-fight interview
that is typical of main event competitors. While “Borz” didn’t
speak in the immediate aftermath of his first career loss, he did
release a statement on social media implying that he might not be
done in the middleweight division.
“[Sean
Strickland] see you soon again,” Chimaev wrote on X.
@SStricklandMMA
see you soon again 🫡— Khamzat
Chimaev (@KChimaev)
May 10, 2026
Moving on Up?
Chimaev and Strickland are former training partners, so it’s
possible that the Chechen standout could be referencing a future
sparring session rather than a title rematch. Chimaev’s future
plans are also murky based on what UFC CEO Dana White said at
Saturday’s post-fight press conference.
“[Khamzat] literally walked up to me after the fight and said ‘I
want to move up. I don’t want to fight in this weight class
anymore,’” White revealed.
Chimaev has hinted at a move to 205 pounds on multiple occasions,
including callouts of ex-light heavyweight king Alex
Pereira. Chimaev, who previously fought at 170 pounds, appeared
to endure a difficult weight cut ahead of UFC 328. While Chimaev
could be in line for an immediate rematch with Strickland given the
close nature of the defeat, White seemed optimistic regarding the
fighter’s UFC future at 205 pounds.
“I’m not even thinking about [who he’ll fight next],” White said.
“But him moving up is exciting.”