Khamzat Chimaev demands Sean Strickland rematch after UFC 328 title loss

Khamzat Chimaev says he deserved to keep the UFC middleweight title and claims he earned five times as much as Sean Strickland for their split-decision fight at UFC 328.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Thu 22 Oct, 09:54 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Khamzat Chimaev wants an immediate rematch with Sean Strickland, insisting he should have kept the UFC middleweight championship he lost to the American at UFC 328 in May.

Strickland took the 185-pound title by split decision, handing Chimaev the first defeat of his professional MMA career. Two judges scored the bout 48-47 for Strickland and the third had it 48-47 for Chimaev, who believes his forward pressure and heavier strikes should have won him the fight.

Chimaev said: “I’m not a judge, but I’ve never seen the guy who is running backwards win the fight. First time in the history of UFC you see the guy who is running backwards wins the belt.” He also turned to Strickland's recent complaints about UFC fighter pay, claiming he was paid five times as much as Strickland for their title fight. Strickland has suggested he could box Jake Paul after leaving the UFC, although UFC CEO Dana White has said the champion signed a new contract in May. Chimaev said: “He’ll try to go for other fights and he’s crying about money. If he needs the money, he has to fight me.” Chimaev, now 15-1, said he had a difficult weight cut before UFC 328, having previously considered moving up to light heavyweight. He said regaining the middleweight belt is his priority: “That’s the number one, for me, is to get the belt back. After that, we’ll see what’s going to happen.” Before any return to the octagon, Chimaev is scheduled to face former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler in a wrestling match at RAF on Friday, his fourth RAF contest of 2026. He is also booked to meet Colby Covington in November.

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Khamzat Chimaev Sean Strickland Colby Covington