Strickland On Chimaev: Rivalry 'Wasn't Real'

Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev undermined their own rivalry with a friendly post-fight exchange at UFC 328, according to Daniel Cormier.

The middleweight champion took a split decision over Chimaev in Newark last May after weeks of violent threats and gym war stories. But instead of keeping the heat on, Strickland shook hands, hugged, and apologized to his opponent immediately after the final bell, MMA Mania reports.

Cormier: Fighters 'Pulled The Curtain Back'

Cormier criticized the move on his YouTube channel. "They talked about killing each other and all this stuff, and then that was buried," he said, per the report. "You cannot sell a rematch or any type of rivalry between these two because you almost pulled the curtain back." The former heavyweight champion called the Newark embrace "a moment we didn't really need."

Strickland controlled the fight with his jab while Chimaev never found his rhythm. The win reclaimed the 185-pound belt for Strickland, who has a history of downplaying feuds after the cage door closes.

Cormier said the champion's habit of telling the truth makes it impossible to rebuild the animosity. "When he tells you that it's not real, 'I was selling a fight,' you believe him," Cormier said. "To the general fan, how do we get them to believe it, when the ultimate truth speaker in our league has told us he doesn't really hate him as much as it may seem?"

Strickland has yet to announce his next opponent. Chimaev was rumored to be moving to light heavyweight following the loss.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev spoiled UFC ‘blood feud’ with bro hugs, handshakes