Khamzat Chimaev left the Octagon without a typical post-fight interview after losing the middleweight title to Sean Strickland by split decision. He did not speak immediately after the bout, but later posted a message on X implying he might return to the middleweight division. The message could refer to future sparring with Strickland, since they previously trained together. UFC CEO Dana White said Chimaev told him he wants to move up and no longer fight in the current weight class. Chimaev has previously hinted at a move to 205 pounds and has called out Alex Pereira. White expressed optimism about Chimaev’s future at light heavyweight.
"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."
"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.""
Read at Sherdog
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