Overview
- Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328 and the two fighters publicly embraced after the decision.
- Chimaev wrapped the belt around Strickland’s waist after the fight, an optics moment analysts say weakened the story of real hatred between them.
- Daniel Cormier said the public reconciliation and Strickland’s own comments that he was 'selling' the feud have 'buried' the rivalry and made a rematch harder to credibly sell to casual fans.
- Chimaev has continued to post criticisms online while Strickland initially declined a rematch, leaving the UFC without a clear next move for the title.
- The uncertainty over a credible rematch boosts other contenders such as Nassourdine Imavov and leaves matchmaking dependent on whether the promotion and fighters can rebuild an authentic narrative.