"I Never Lost": Khamzat Chimaev Demands Title Shot, Trashes Sean Strickland’s Style
Khamzat Chimaev just trashed Sean Strickland's fighting style, claiming that he never lost the fight since he never took any damage against Strickland, calling for a rematch.
Former middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev is not taking his first career setback sitting down. Following a razor-thin decision loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328, the Chechen-born star insists he did enough to win and is demanding an immediate shot at the 185-pound championship in his return.
Speaking in a recent interview, Chimaev made it clear that he completely rejects the judges' decision from their five-round title battle. In his mind, Strickland’s point-fighting tactics and constant movement backward should not have been rewarded over his own pressure and grappling output.
"I am the No. 1 contender, I did not lose the match like people think," Chimaev said. "I never seen a guy win the fight just running backwards and doing jab, jab."
Eyeing the Strickland vs. Imavov Winner
Chimaev voiced frustration with how the official scoring criteria were applied, arguing that judges claim to prioritize damage yet awarded rounds to a fighter operating on the back foot. The 32-year-old jabbed back at the decision, noting that if retreating earns rounds, he might as well prepare for a marathon in his next training camp.
Despite the loss bringing his official professional MMA record to 15-1, Chimaev believes his position at the top of the middleweight division remains undisputed. Now back in the gym and fully healthy, he has his sights set on facing the winner of the prospective clash between Strickland and top contender Nassourdine Imavov.
"Would be good, take the winner because I wanna go for the belt," Chimaev stated regarding his ideal return scenario.
With a 15-1 career record and nine victories inside the Octagon, Chimaev still possesses one of the most terrifying skill sets in combat sports. While UFC matchmakers haven't officially confirmed his next bout, Chimaev isn't interested in tune-up fights or non-title bouts. As far as he is concerned, he never lost the top spot, and he wants the belt wrapped around his waist next.
