UFC 328 had an eventful end, after what Dana White described as one of the promotion’s most heated rivalries ever. Besides the heated rhetoric going back and forth between the fighters, the fight ended Khamzat Chimaev’s seventeen-game unbeaten run. His defeat is no surprise, however, to many pundits. Many top voices in the wrestling world, including Luke Rockhold, anticipated a close tie.
Days ahead of fight day, Luke Rockhold described Sean Strickland as the most dangerous foe for Khamzat at the middleweight and light heavyweight classes. His highlighting of Strickland’s style as a legitimate threat to Chimaev eventually proves insightful. Although Khamzat successfully controlled on-the-ground moves, Strickland’s ability to register successful take-downs won the day. Yet, the same pundit who predicted the stern standoff has an uncommon post-fight message for the Georgian.
Luke Rockhold compares 185-Ib and 205-Ib classes in expert take for Khamzat Chimaev
Immediately after the fight, Dana White revealed that Chimaev has asked to move up the weight class. Chances are he’s made the decision even before the fight, considering how swiftly he called for a transition.
Only hours before the fight, a fighter controversially claimed the promotion cut Chimaev’s weight results to prevent a Strickland win. Although, a post-fight tweet by the Georgian requesting for a rematch may mean he’s had a change of mind, it’s clear the fight overwhelmed Chimaev. Rockhold, however, has few encouraging words for Chimaev and his announced 205-pound move.
“There’s nobody at 205 Ib that can really challenge him. I think Khamzat dominates everybody in the grappling, maybe except for Ankalaev. 205 is not a deep wrestling or grappling division; it’s all striking.”
“It’s a much easier division to win, but I wouldn’t want to settle for losing to Sean in that one and trying to come back and right that wrong before he moves up.”
A UFC-themed media platform, Submission Radio, shared Rockhold’s recent views on Chimaev’s future prospects. It appeared both players had settled their intense feud in the interim. Chimaev sportsmanly wore Strickland the belt at the final whistle. Strickland also spoke the nicest he has since pre-fight events began, apologizing for his harsh words.
Rockhold, however, isn’t too happy with Chimaev’s rumored 205-Ib move, something the fighter may have rescinded anyway, considering a recent tweet for a rematch. As it stands, all the UFC community has to know Chimaev’s future career choices is time.