After defeat, Khamzat Chimaev explains handshake with Sean Strickland: 'He asked for forgiveness'

Chimaev threatens Strickland at the UFC weigh-in. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

After weeks of intense rivalry punctuated by controversial statements, the MMA world was surprised by the respectful outcome of the main event. UFC 328Defeated for the first time in his career against Sean Strickland by split decision, Khamzat Shimaev He put the animosity aside and even went so far as to buckle the middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg) on ​​the American. In this context, he went public on Instagram stories last Tuesday (12) to explain why he did this.

See too

New fight! In search of a comeback, Khamzat Chimaev faces bad boy friend of Poatan and McGregor.

VIDEO: Pantoja shows "training" to avoid another injury against Joshua Van; check it out.

Ready for the heavy hitters! Poatan 'rocks' Xicão with a cross during training for UFC Casa Branca; watch the video.

According to the fighter, any negative feelings that existed between the two should not have been expressed after the fight, as both had already had the necessary time to resolve their differences. Furthermore, he also highlighted Strickland's statements after the fight. The American apologized for his disrespectful remarks towards Chimaev and the Chechen people.

“And as for that guy—he said a lot of unnecessary things. People were asking why I shook his hand and why I put the belt on him afterward. We don’t have a habit of talking or fighting after a defeat. If we fight, we fight inside the octagon, and we fight the best we can. What Allah has decided is no longer under our control. That guy lowered his head and asked for forgiveness. If a person asks for forgiveness, I can forgive them. I am not an oppressor to refuse to forgive,” he declared.

???? Khamzat Shimaev went on stories to explain why he was friendly with Sean Strickland despite all of the trash talk that was said:

“And regarding that guy — he said a lot of unnecessary things. People were asking why I shook his hand and why I put the belt on him afterwards. We… pic.twitter.com/xCvOmtVGtK

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 12, 2026

Chimaev wants rematch with Strickland

Sean Strickland being crowned champion of the fight against Khamzat Shimaev No. UFC 328. Photo: Reproduction/X

Although he has put his rivalry with Strickland aside, Chimaev is far from satisfied with the outcome of the main event. UFC 328Dispelling rumors of a move to the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg), the Chechen fighter made a point of challenging the American to a rematch via a post on X (formerly Twitter) the day after the fight. The new champion, in turn, added fuel to the fire by mentioning Lobo's controversial weigh-in.