Dustin Poirier claims Khamzat Chimaev's aura of invincibility was damaged after his first career loss at UFC 328. Chimaev lost a close split decision to Sean Strickland, raising questions about his future in the octagon.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: (R-L) Khamzat Chimaev of Russia grapples with Sean Strickland in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
The aura of invincibility surrounding Khamzat Chimaev has been shattered, according to legendary former lightweight fighter Dustin Poirier.
Chimaev suffered the first loss of his career at UFC 328, losing a razor close split decision to Sean Strickland that cost the Chechen his middleweight belt. Thereâs been a lot of excuses as to why this happened. Some point to a botched weight cut, others point to over-training. Whatever the case, Poirier believes Khamzat is going to have a hard time when he eventually returns to competition because people now know heâs human.
âThe problem for Khamzat, he likes to be that guy that can intimidate you,â Poirier said on the UFCâs Deep Waters podcast. âAnd the fact that Sean wasnât intimidated? I think he fought Seanâs fight.â
Not only was Chimaev unable to impose his fighting style on Strickland, he also let the mask slip and show how all the lead-up to UFC 328 was basically fake and for attention. Thatâs not something people will forget.
Khamzat Chimaev lost his first professional fight at UFC 328, suffering a split decision defeat to Sean Strickland.
Dustin Poirier believes Chimaev's aura has diminished because he was not able to intimidate Sean Strickland during their fight.
Speculations for Chimaev's loss include a botched weight cut and over-training leading up to the fight.
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âWhoever he gets matched up with next, itâs going to be tough for [Chimaev] to intimidate because his aura took a hit,â Poirer continued. âWith the back and forth, I thought it was real. I think his whole aura took a hit this week. Every round, dapping it up like weâre besties and putting the belt on him? Like, come on, man.â
âThat guy that was like, âI kill everybody, I kill everybody, smash, smash, smash.â Thatâs not the guy we saw on Saturday night,â he concluded.
Whatever the reasons for his wilting performance at UFC 328, Chimaev will have to make some big changes when he returns. Thereâs been conflicting reports on whether he plans to move up to light heavyweight or stick around and rematch Strickland.
Given how scared he seems to be of his gas tank emptying at 185 pounds, a move to light heavyweight doesnât sound bad. But Chimaev was already getting bullied by Strickland, who isnât even a huge middleweight. Size wonât be on Khamzatâs side at 205 pounds, and at this point neither will the aura.