Story by
UFC 328 Drama: Jiri Prochazka calls out Khamzat Chimaev’s weird demeanour
- Story by
- UFC 328 Drama: Jiri Prochazka calls out Khamzat Chimaev’s weird demeanour
Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
Following his defeat at UFC 328, Khamzat Chimaev has been under heavy scrutiny for both his performance and how he handled the lead-up to the fight.
Sean Strickland caused one of the biggest shocks in recent memory on Saturday, defeating Chimaev by split decision to claim the middleweight title.
Advertisement
After a bitter build-up, the pair showed mutual respect once it was over. Chimaev even helped put the belt around Strickland's waist as a gesture of goodwill.
And while Strickland later admitted that much of their rivalry was manufactured to promote the event, Chimaev hasn't escaped criticism for how he played into it.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Jiri Prochazka calls out Khamzat Chimaev's behaviour at UFC 328
UFC president Dana White had already labelled the rivalry as one of the top three most bitter feuds in UFC history, and it didn't disappoint.
Most of the back-and-forth came from Strickland, but both fighters got their digs in during the press conference and again at the ceremonial weigh-ins.
Advertisement
Chimaev came under fire from former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka, who questioned his demeanour on fight night despite all that talk beforehand.
"Whatever was decided, it was already before the match," Prochazka posted on X. "You can show the world anything, but you have to live this role to the fullest. Big congrats to Sean to show strength and handle this pressure.
"On the other side, pure hate in the press conference and smiling in the cage? No, we are warriors, and it's our mission to handle fully the fire in our heart and stillness in our mind."
This is an interesting criticism coming from Prochazka, considering he claimed 'mercy' as a reason for losing his vacant title fight against Carlos Ulberg back in April.
Advertisement
After suffering a brutal weight cut ahead of UFC 328, Chimaev told Dana White that he wouldn't be fighting at 185 pounds again, so a move up is expected soon. With Ulberg out of action due to injury, there could be an opening for Chimaev vs Prochazka down the line once he settles into his new division.
Read more:
