Published 88 days ago
Ex-champion’s final duel: Chimaev demands justice against Strickland
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After his controversial loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328, Khamzat Chimaev is demanding an immediate rematch. The Swede, undefeated before this fight, dominated Dricus Du Plessis before falling to the American. Chimaev accuses Strickland of ducking the rematch.
To remember:
- Khamzat Chimaev reignites the challenge for a rematch against Sean Strickland after their bout at UFC 328.
- Chimaev, the dethroned champion, accuses Strickland of ducking the rematch.
- Chimaev, undefeated before UFC 328, dominated Dricus Du Plessis before losing to Strickland.
The UFC world is holding its breath: the rematch between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland has never been so close… and yet so far. After their bout at UFC 328, where Chimaev suffered his first loss despite early dominance against Dricus Du Plessis, the Swede is demanding justice. And he’s not mincing words: “Strickland is ducking, that’s all. He doesn’t have the guts to face a real champion,” he declared during a post-fight press conference.
A high-stakes duel: the fall of an undefeated fighter
Before UFC 328, Chimaev was a winning machine, undefeated in the UFC ranks. Yet, against Strickland, the script flipped. Despite impressive technical control against Du Plessis, the Swede lost on points to the American in a fight where the judges’ decisions sparked controversy. “I didn’t lose, it was stolen from me,” he stated, fueling the debate. Strickland, meanwhile, just smiles, carefully avoiding any mention of a rematch.
The rematch: more than just a fight
For Chimaev, this rematch isn’t just about pride—it’s about credibility. After dominating Du Plessis, his status as the top middleweight contender was undeniable. Yet, Strickland, the interim champion at the time, capitalized on a close decision to claim victory. “The fans deserve to see who’s the best. No excuses,” he hammered on social media, tagging Dana White each time.
On his end, Strickland plays it cool, but observers note his lack of public challenges since the fight. Reading between the lines, some see a strategy: avoiding Chimaev to better negotiate a title shot later. A theory the Swede dismisses vehemently: “He’s scared, end of story.”
While UFC 328 left a bitter taste for Chimaev’s fans, the pressure is mounting for Dana White to make this rematch happen. Between accusations of avoidance and demands for justice, one thing is certain: the story between these two men is far from over. And the next chapter could very well write one of the greatest rivalries of the modern UFC era.