Less than a week removed from his first MMA defeat, a new picture of Khamzat Chimaev has shown fans the wounds he inflicted during UFC 328. For the unversed, 'Borz' lost his undefeated 15-0 record and middleweight championship against Sean Strickland in New Jersey.
The fight was keenly contested and hard-fought, but ultimately Strickland got the nod via split decision.
Chimaev was outstruck on significant strikes by Strickland, who landed 123 against the Chechen's 98. However, the disparity in head strikes was much larger with Strickland doubling up on his opponent, 118-52. This same disparity is now evident on Chimaev's face, three days after the fight.
The former 185lbs champion posted himself on his Instagram story for the first time since his loss to Strickland. In it, he stood alongside his namesake, Khamzat Kadyrov. 'Borz' could be seen sporting two black eyes with numerous cuts and bruises all over his face. It is safe to say that this is the most damage Chimaev has ever suffered on his face after a bout.
However, the American did not come out of their fight unscathed either. Strickland was visibly bleeding during one of his post-fight interviews, courtesy of a broken nose. Moreover, when he saw his face on camera during a different interview, the champion commented on how 'ugly' he looked, likening his face to a horror movie.
Moreover, the new middleweight champion has been giving fans constant updates since the fight, revealing his plans to rest and eventually attend the White House card next month. In one such update, he showed how his injuries were healing 48 hours after the fight. Compared to Chimaev, Strickland's face looked considerably less damaged despite how close the fight seemed.
While Chimaev has been awfully quiet since his loss to Strickland, he did release a couple of cryptic statements shortly after the contest.
Khamzat Chimaev has not said much following his first-ever MMA loss at UFC 328. The former champion did not give an Octagon interview that usually follows a main event fight. Moreover, he skipped the post-fight press conference entirely.
However, since last Saturday, 'Borz' has put out two posts on his X account. Both of these posts are aimed at Sean Strickland, with Chimaev seemingly wanting a rematch, contradicting what Dana White had said at the UFC 328 post-fight press conference regarding his move to light heavyweight.
@SStricklandMMA see you soon again
Khamzat Chimaev via X@SStricklandMMA see you soon again
Following this post, the Chechen seemed to double down on his desire for a rematch to avenge his only loss.
Let me know when you are ready @SStricklandMMA
Khamzat Chimaev via XLet me know when you are ready @SStricklandMMA
This callout from Chimaev flies in the face of his move up to the light heavyweight division, as alleged by White. The UFC CEO claimed that the Chechen immediately told him that he wanted to move up after his fight at UFC 328. Chimaev had earlier expressed a desire to move up and fight Jiri Prochazka at 205lbs for the vacant gold. So an immediate rematch seems unlikely unless Chimaev sticks around.
Moreover, Strickland revealed during a recent appearance that he would respect the UFC rankings. The middleweight champion welcomed his former opponent, Nassourdine Imavov, as the next challenger for his title. For the unversed, Imavov was purported to be next in line for a middleweight title shot before Strickland leapfrogged him.
It appears an immediate rematch is unlikely for 'Borz.' However, he will have time to consider his next move as he recuperates from his injuries suffered during the UFC 328 main event.
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