Kamaru Usman Reveals Main Problem With Khamzat Chimaev’s Team That May Have Influenced UFC 328 Disappointment

Before UFC 328, Khamzat Chimaev was widely viewed as one of the UFC’s most unstoppable fighters. However, his defeat to Sean Strickland cost him both the middleweight title and undefeated record. The loss revealed a different side of the Chechen phenom inside Prudential Center that night. Former champion Kamaru Usman recently explained what he believes went wrong for Chimaev during the fight.

Chimaev entered the bout as the reigning middleweight champion, making his inaugural title defense as a massive -600 favorite. Strickland was barely considered for a title shot before receiving the opportunity. However, Strickland technically dismantled ‘Borz’ across five rounds to earn a split decision victory. The win crowned the American superstar as a two-time UFC middleweight champion in a major upset.

Throughout the fight, Chimaev found early success in round one before slowing down by round two. Despite being known for dominant grappling, he largely kept the remaining fight standing against Strickland. Chimaev traded punches while ‘Tarzan’ controlled exchanges behind his consistent jab throughout. Usman recently revealed what he believes caused the Chechen star’s lackluster performance.

In there between rounds, who’s his coach? Who’s giving him sound instructions? Arman Tsarukyan, a fighter still trying to make his way to the title, was your head coach? Who’s your MMA coach? Khamzat Chimaev has all that athletic ability. What’s missing is the head coach. A bond between Khamzat and finding a coach that can put that together could take Khamzat to the next level.

Kamar Usman via The Pound 4 Pound Show

Kamaru Usman highlights the issue of Khamzat Chimaev going into fights without a head coach🗣️⚔️

"In there between rounds, who’s his coach? Who’s giving him sound instructions? Arman Tsarukyan, a fighter still trying to make his way to the title, was your head coach? Who’s your… pic.twitter.com/QXptPeDE6O

— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) May 12, 2026

Chimaev initially trained under Andreas Michael at AllStars Training Center in Sweden during his early UFC career. However, ahead of UFC 328, he worked on conditioning with Sam Calavitta at Treigning Lab. Chimaev also trained his striking skills under Alan Nascimento at Santo Studio before the title fight. During camp, he sparred with notable fighters including Luke Rockhold and Khalil Rountree Jr.

Usman also pointed out that Arman Tsarukyan repeatedly advised ‘Borz’ between rounds during the title fight. He has remained a constant presence in Chimaev’s camp since the championship victory at UFC 319. The Armenian lightweight contender looked visibly disappointed after the split decision result was announced inside the arena. He later protested the loss as debates surrounding the outcome continued.

Having previously faced Chimaev at UFC 294, Kamaru Usman understands the challenges of facing the Chechen phenom. His recent assessment highlighted concerns surrounding Chimaev’s corner structure during UFC 328. Usman believes those factors contributed to the middleweight star’s disappointing performance against Strickland. Despite the setback, ‘Borz’ remains one of the UFC’s biggest stars.

Kamaru Usman hints at fighting UFC superstar in potential return

Kamaru Usman was undoubtedly one of the UFC’s most dominant champions during his welterweight title reign. However, he endured a difficult losing streak beginning with his UFC 278 defeat to Leon Edwards. Usman then suffered another loss to Edwards before falling against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. However, the former champion snapped the streak by defeating Joaquin Buckley in June 2025.

Conor McGregor has remained vocal about returning to UFC competition in recent months. The Irish superstar has hinted at making his comeback during International Fight Week in July 2026. UFC CEO Dana White has also remained positive regarding McGregor finally returning this year. Usman recently hinted at potentially facing McGregor during the former two-divisional champion’s long-awaited UFC return.

Usman X Mcgregor 2026

Kamaru Usman via X

Usman X Mcgregor 2026 👀

— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) March 13, 2026

Kamaru Usman and Conor McGregor have previously been linked to potential fights multiple times throughout Usman’s championship reign. Usman’s recent comments have once again revived discussions surrounding a possible blockbuster showdown against the Irish superstar. However, it remains unclear who ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ will face next in what could potentially become his final UFC outing.

Also Read:

• Dana White Destroys Narrative Around Sean Strickland Changing His Ways After UFC 328 Title Fight and Apology
• Sean Strickland Praises Wife for Helping Through 6 Months of Training Camp After UFC Championship Win