UFC 328 aftermath: Poirier suggests Tsarukyan more distressed by Chimaev's title loss
While Khamzat Chimaev accepted the defeat calmly, observers on the Deep Waters show noted contrasting reactions from the camp, with Jorge Masvidal also offering a critique of the second-round performance.
Following the split decision victory of Sean Strickland over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 to claim the middleweight championship, the post-fight atmosphere drew scrutiny from former champions appearing on the Deep Waters show. While Chimaev accepted the razor-thin loss with notable composure, wrapping the new belt around Strickland's waist, Dustin Poirier offered a contrasting observation regarding the reaction of Chimaev's teammate, Arman Tsarukyan.
Poirier stated on the program that Tsarukyan appeared more upset by the decision than Chimaev himself. This observation highlighted a divergence in the visible emotional response between the two fighters, with the former champion noting that the teammate displayed greater distress over the outcome. The comment came as the Deep Waters crew questioned why Chimaev seemed so unfazed by a defeat that ended his reign as middleweight king.
Jorge Masvidal provided further analysis of the contest, specifically targeting Chimaev's physical state and strategy during the second round. Masvidal argued that Chimaev's performance in that period warranted a 10-8 score in favour of Strickland, citing exhaustion and a defensive posture where the Georgian fighter rolled to his back to concede top position. This critique suggested that Chimaev had red-lined himself in the opening round, leaving him unable to implement his wrestling game plan effectively when it mattered most.
The post-fight dynamics stood in stark contrast to the public feuding that preceded the bout. Prior to stepping into the Octagon, Strickland and Chimaev had engaged in significant exchanges involving vile insults and threats of violence. Yet, during the fight, the two displayed sportsmanship through frequent glove touching, a behaviour that persisted until the final bell. This shift from hostility to mutual respect complicated the narrative of the split decision, which was coloured by prior bad blood.
Strickland has now secured the middleweight title for the second time, having previously won the championship as a significant underdog. His victory marks another instance where he has entered a title fight as a considerable favourite against a challenger and emerged victorious. The result cements his status as a dominant force in the division, despite the controversial nature of the decision in the eyes of some analysts.
Looking ahead, Chimaev is reportedly considering a move up to the light heavyweight division following this defeat. The possibility of changing weight classes represents a strategic pivot for the Georgian fighter, who must now decide how to rebuild his career after losing the belt. As the UFC community processes the outcome, the focus remains on whether Chimaev can adapt to a new weight class or if the loss signals the end of his reign in the middleweight division.
