Khamzat Chimaeventered UFC 328 with an undefeated record and the middleweight title on the line.Sean Stricklandtook the belt in a split decision after five rounds at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on May 9, 2026. Judges scored it 48-47 twice forStricklandand 47-48 for Chimaev.

Chimaev controlled the first round with takedowns and back control. Strickland stood up often and fought off submissions. By round two, Chimaev slowed. He missed chain wrestling andpulled guardafter a failed shot. Strickland landed ground-and-pound from top position.

The fight stayed standing for most later rounds. Strickland used his jab andPhilly Shellto outland Chimaev. Chimaev landed power shots at times but threw less volume. Rumors of a hard weight cut for Chimaev added to talk of his fade.

Days after theloss, Firas Zahabi, coach at Tristar Gym in Montreal, posted a public offer to train Chimaev. Zahabi trainedGeorges St-Pierreto multiple UFC titles and works with fighters like Aiemann Zahabi, who holds an 8-2 UFC record.

Zahabi also trains current prospects at Tristar, including welterweights Georges Eid and Amir Fazli. He invitedArman Tsarukyantoo. Tsarukyan, a top lightweight, uses wrestling and close-range striking. Past links exist between Tsarukyan and Chimaev through shared training interests. Zahabi said:

“Khamzat, come train with me. Come to Montreal. I promise you you’re not going to fade. I promise you. Bring Arman Tsaruykan. Come see how we prepare to make sure your fitness level will be better than ever, your striking will be sweeter than ever, and your footwork will be sweeter than ever. If you come train with me, this will never happen again…. We will focus on you getting your hand raised”

Chimaev’s camp has faced cardio questions before. He won third rounds against Gilbert Burns andKamaru Usmandespite visible slowdowns. Injuries and illnesses delayed past fights, with five or six surgeries reported.

Zahabi has praised Chimaev publicly for years. In 2025, he called him the greatest middleweight ever after a title win, comparing him toKhabib Nurmagomedov. This offer comes at a key moment. Chimaev lost his streak. A move to Tristar could rebuild his base for a title run.

Strickland now holds the belt for a second time. He beat Chimaev as an underdog. Fans watch if Chimaev responds to Zahabi. Training in Montreal might fix the five-round issues that cost him Saturday night.

Source: LowKickMMA.com