Jiri Prochazka slams Khamzat Chimaev for not following through with trash talk

Jiri Prochazka wants fighters to walk the talk. 

Khamzat Chimaev put his middleweight title on the line against Sean Strickland in the main event at UFC 328 on Saturday in Newark, New Jersey. There appeared to be serious bad blood between the two leading up to the fight. However, Chimaev and Strickland surprised fans by touching gloves and exchanging smiles before the opening bell. 

While Chimaev (15-1) dominated Strickland (31-7) on the ground in the first round, the tide turned in the second round. Chimaev completely discarded his wrestling following a failed shot in the second round, while Strickland gradually took over. Although Chimaev held his own on the feet, Strickland did enough in the judges’ eyes to earn a split decision victory in a huge upset. Strickland and Chimaev also showed mutual respect after the fight. 

A Warrior's Duty

Prochazka called out Chimaev for failing to back up his trash talk with action. While Chimaev had promised to be a “bully” and a “terrorist” to Strickland, he was all smiles inside the Octagon. Prochazka says that while one might portray a persona to fans, they have to live the part when the time comes. Prochazka also congratulated Strickland on his performance.

“Whatever was decided, it was already before the match,” Prochazka wrote on X. “You can show the world anything, but you have to live this role to the fullest. Big congrats to Sean, to show strength and handle this pressure. On the other side, pure hate in press conference and smile in the cage? No, we are warriors and it’s our mission to handle fully the fire in our heart and stillness in our mind. Good morning from Czech, lets go to Training Chapter 1.”

whatever was decided, it was already before the match.
You can show the world anything, but you have to live this role to the fullest.
Big congrats to Sean, to show strength and handle this pressure.
On the other side, pure hate in pressconference and smile in the cage ?
No, we…— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) May 10, 2026