Chimaev On UFC 328 Title Loss: 'There Were Mistakes'

Khamzat Chimaev has broken his silence on the UFC 328 loss that cost him the middleweight title, telling Russian media he made mistakes against Sean Strickland but dismissing speculation about weight cut or injury issues.

Speaking at a Real American Freestyle press conference ahead of his Moscow bout against Tyron Woodley, Chimaev brushed off questions about what went wrong in May. "There were mistakes," he said, per MMA Mania. "There are always mistakes. There is no such thing as 'without mistakes.' We are human after all. I am not a saint, to be without mistakes. Nothing. I don't want to talk about these things, weight cutting, all that stuff. Injuries. It is normal."

Chimaev Eyes Strickland Rematch Despite Imavov Queue

The Chechen fighter confirmed he wants the rematch immediately, telling reporters he is waiting for it "even tomorrow" and is ready "more than you." Strickland remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, and Nassourdine Imavov is reportedly the favourite for the next title shot after waiting two years. Chimaev acknowledged the Frenchman's position but said he will fight whoever emerges with the belt.

Since losing at UFC 328, Chimaev has stayed active outside the Octagon. He pinned Dillon Danis at Real American Freestyle in June, then booked the Woodley fight for RAF Moscow and a Gilbert Burns rematch for RAF 13 in two weeks. This marks his first competition in Russia in 15 years.

Chimaev also shut down talk of a move to light heavyweight. "Until we break everyone at 185, I'm not going anywhere," he said at the presser. The RAF Moscow card goes down in two weeks before Chimaev faces Burns again at RAF 13.

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• MMA Mania — Khamzat Chimaev speaks on feeble UFC 328 performance: ‘There were mistakes’