Chimaev reveals he felt sorry for Strickland after his loss at UFC 328.

Strickland defeated Chimaev in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

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Khamzat Chimaev made a noble gesture at UFC 328 , but the motivation behind the attitude may not have been exactly sporting. Defeated in the main event, held in May, the Chechen took the initiative to fasten the belt on Sean Strickland , who had defeated him in the fight.

The incident gained renewed attention on social media after a fan mocked the moment. In response, Chimaev indicated that his actions were motivated by pity for his rival, comparing the situation to a boyfriend navigating a relationship.

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"That girl cried too much, I felt sorry for her, so I let it go, like a guy who lets his girlfriend do his laundry," Chimaev wrote.

This girl cried too much, I felt sorry for her, I gave it away like a guy lets his girlfriend do his laundry

— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) July 31, 2026

Khamzat Chimaev could still fight for the belt again.

Despite the setback, the uncertainty in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg) combined with Lobo's media power could guarantee Chimaev an immediate rematch. Conversely, Nassourdine Imavov recently stated that the UFC has guaranteed him the position of number one contender in the division.

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