Arman Tsarukyan publicly commented on Khamzat Chimaev's defeat at UFC 328. The lightweight contender praised Chimaev's effort in the fight, stating that everyone who watched knows what really happened. Tsarukyan encouraged Chimaev to keep his head up, addressing him as 'champion' and expressing confidence that he will reclaim his title soon. The supportive message suggests Tsarukyan believes Chimaev deserved a better outcome in the fight.
Arman Tsarukyan took to social media on May 10 to offer public support to Khamzat Chimaev following Chimaev's defeat at UFC 328, praising the Borz's effort and expressing belief that a title reign is still ahead of him.
Tsarukyan, the number-one ranked lightweight contender, carries a 23-3-0 record and trains out of American Top Team. The 29-year-old Russian stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach and has built his reputation as one of the division's most well-rounded threats, averaging 3.85 significant strikes landed per minute while also generating 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Chimaev, meanwhile, entered UFC 328 as the top-ranked middleweight and the number-10 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains at Allstars Training Center, now holds a 15-1-0 record following the loss. The Borz has long been regarded as one of the sport's most dangerous competitors, posting a striking accuracy of 60 percent and an extraordinary 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. Tsarukyan addressed Chimaev directly as "champion" in his message, insisting that those who watched the fight understand what really happened and encouraging him to keep his head up with confidence that he will reclaim his title.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's remarks signal genuine respect across divisional lines, with one of lightweight's top contenders openly backing a middleweight figure
- Chimaev's drop to 15-1-0 shakes up the middleweight rankings, potentially reshaping the title picture at 185 pounds
- The supportive tone, including calling Chimaev "champion," implies Tsarukyan views the result as a controversial or unfortunate outcome rather than a definitive one
