Jiri Prochazka slams Khamzat Chimaev for not following through with trash talk

"“Whatever was decided, it was already before the match,” Prochazka wrote on X. “You can show the world anything, but you have to live this role to the fullest. Big congrats to Sean, to show strength and handle this pressure. On the other side, pure hate in press conference and smile in the cage? No, we are warriors and it's our mission to handle fully the fire in our heart and stillness in our mind. Good morning from Czech, lets go to Training Chapter 1.”"

"While Chimaev had promised to be a “bully” and a “terrorist” to Strickland, he was all smiles inside the Octagon. Prochazka says that while one might portray a persona to fans, they have to live the part when the time comes. Prochazka also congratulated Strickland on his performance."

"While Chimaev (15-1) dominated Strickland (31-7) on the ground in the first round, the tide turned in the second round. Chimaev completely discarded his wrestling following a failed shot in the second round, while Strickland gradually took over. Although Chimaev held his own on the feet, Strickland did enough in the judges' eyes to earn a split decision victory in a huge upset."

"There appeared to be serious bad blood between the two leading up to the fight. However, Chimaev and Strickland surprised fans by touching gloves and exchanging smiles before the opening bell. Strickland and Chimaev also showed mutual respect after the fight."

Khamzat Chimaev defended his middleweight title against Sean Strickland in the main event at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey. Despite apparent hostility beforehand, both fighters touched gloves and exchanged smiles before the fight. Chimaev dominated Strickland on the ground in the first round, but the second round shifted as Chimaev abandoned wrestling after a failed shot and Strickland took control. Strickland earned a split decision upset while both men showed mutual respect after the bout. Jiri Prochazka criticized Chimaev for not backing up trash talk with action, emphasizing that personas must be lived fully when the moment arrives, while also praising Strickland’s ability to handle pressure.

Read at Sherdog