Arman Tsarukyan backed Khamzat Chimaev after the disputed scorecards at UFC 328.
Sean Strickland defeated Chimaev by split decision on May 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, regaining the UFC middleweight title and handing Chimaev the first loss of his professional career. Two judges scored the fight 48-47 for Strickland, while one judge had it 48-47 for Chimaev.
Tsarukyan, who was in Chimaev’s corner for the fight, reacted on Instagram after the decision.
“We fought our hearts out tonight and everyone watching knows what really happened,” Tsarukyan wrote. “Head up Champ. You will get your belt back soon.”
The result moved Strickland to 31-7 and dropped Chimaev to 15-1. Chimaev entered UFC 328 as the defending middleweight champion after beating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, but Strickland regained the belt on two scorecards and began his second title reign at 185 pounds.
Tsarukyan Points To A Close Scorecard Fight
Tsarukyan did not directly call the decision a robbery, but his post clearly pushed back on the result. His view carries more weight than a casual reaction because he worked closely with Chimaev during fight week and was part of his corner on fight night.
The official scorecards explain why the result is still being debated. Eric Colon and Sal D’Amato gave Strickland rounds 2, 3, and 5. Sue Sanidad scored rounds 1, 4, and 5 for Chimaev. The fifth round was the deciding frame across the split cards.
Chimaev’s next step is still uncertain. After the loss, he posted directly at Strickland on X, writing, “@SStricklandMMA see you soon again,” which kept the rematch discussion alive. Dana White also said Chimaev told him he did not want to continue fighting at middleweight and wanted to move up.
If Chimaev stays at 185 pounds, the close scorecards give the UFC a clear rematch argument. If he moves to 205 pounds, Strickland moves forward as champion while Chimaev has to reset his title path in another division.
