Sean Strickland took some time to think about his actions before the fight, following his impressive victory at UFC 328.
The polarising American picked up a split decision win over Chimaev, handing the Russian-born star his first loss in New Jersey.
It was an unexpected result and one that could pave the way for a title shot against Dricus du Plessis.
Afterwards, Strickland spoke to Joe Rogan inside the Octagon and apologised for how he'd carried himself in the lead-up to the bout.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev's rivalry went beyond the usual trash talk, reaching a new level of intensity ahead of their fight at UFC 328.
The tension spilt over during Thursday's face-off, where both fighters traded deeply personal insults before ever stepping into the Octagon.
After his win, Strickland took the opportunity in his post-fight interview to address his behaviour leading up to the event. He spoke directly to fans from different backgrounds, acknowledging that he had crossed a line with some of his comments.
"I just want to apologize to my American fans, to my Muslim fans, and my Christian fans," Strickland said during his post-fight interview.
"I went too hard, I'll admit it. I respect all you guys. Chechens are great fighters. They're savage. He's a savage. I should be a better example, but I try to sell these fights for you."
Sean Strickland's win over Khamzat Chimaev was the headline event on an exciting night of fights at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
Below is a list of every bout on the UFC 328 card, starting with the prelims and ending with one of the biggest wins of Strickland's career.
Main Card
Sean Strickland def. Khamzat Chimaev via Split Decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Joshua Van (c) def. Tatsuro Taira via TKO (punches) – Round 5, 3:32
Alexander Volkov def. Waldo Cortes-Acosta via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Sean Brady def. Joaquin Buckley via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)
King Green def. Jeremy Stephens via Submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:20
Preliminary Card
Ateba Gautier def. Ozzy Diaz via KO (punches) – Round 2, 1:10
Yaroslav Amosov def. Joel Alvarez via Submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 2, 1:13
Grant Dawson def. Mateusz Rębecki via Submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 4:42
Jim Miller def. Jared Gordon via Submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 3:29
Roman Kopylov def. Marco Tulio via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Pat Sabatini def. William Gomis via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Baisangur Susurkaev def. Djorden Santos via Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 4:12
Jose Ochoa def. Clayton Carpenter via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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