Georges St-Pierre has weighed in on one of the biggest talking points in MMA after UFC 328, insisting that Khamzat Chimaev is still a “better fighter” than Sean Strickland despite losing their title clash.
Speaking after Strickland’s split-decision victory over Chimaev, the UFC Hall of Famer praised the former champion’s skill set while also acknowledging Strickland’s impressive performance on fight night.
St-Pierre suggested that while Chimaev may possess greater overall ability, MMA results are often determined by timing, strategy, preparation, and performance on a specific night.
“Sean Beat Him That Night”
GSP explained that even though he rates Chimaev more highly in terms of pure fighting ability, Strickland deserved full credit for the victory at UFC 328.
According to reports, St-Pierre stated: “I believe Khamzat is a better fighter than Sean Strickland. But that night, Sean beat him.”
The Canadian MMA icon also noted that Strickland has already proven he can defeat Chimaev once and therefore remains capable of doing it again in a future rematch.
The closely contested bout has divided fans and analysts across the MMA world, with many debating whether Strickland’s volume striking and defensive work outweighed Chimaev’s early grappling control.
Strickland Ends Chimaev’s Unbeaten Run
UFC 328 delivered one of the biggest shocks of the year as Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight title by handing Chimaev the first loss of his professional MMA career.
After surviving difficult early rounds dominated by Chimaev’s wrestling, Strickland gradually took control through relentless jab combinations, improved takedown defence, and higher striking output.
The fight ended in a split decision that immediately sparked heated debate throughout the MMA community, with supporters from both sides claiming their fighter deserved the win.
Despite the defeat, many observers still view Chimaev as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport due to his elite grappling and aggressive fighting style.
Rematch Talks Already Growing
The aftermath of UFC 328 has already fuelled growing calls for a rematch between the two middleweight stars.
Reports suggest Chimaev’s camp believes a difficult weight cut affected his performance heading into the title fight.
Meanwhile, several fighters and analysts have continued debating whether Strickland’s tactical discipline exposed weaknesses in Chimaev’s game or whether the former champion simply had an off night.
The result has also reshaped the UFC middleweight division, with contenders like Nassourdine Imavov now positioning themselves for a potential title opportunity against Strickland.
GSP’s Opinion Carries Major Weight in MMA
Any analysis from Georges St-Pierre naturally draws significant attention given his legendary status in the sport.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, GSP built his reputation on tactical intelligence, adaptability, and championship consistency across multiple weight divisions.
His assessment of Chimaev and Strickland adds another fascinating layer to the ongoing debate surrounding UFC 328 and what could become one of the defining rivalries of the modern middleweight era.
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