Khamzat Chimaev has shared his side of the story after clashing with Ian Machado Garry.
The middleweight champion was in Arman Tsarukyan‘s corner for his submission win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar on Saturday night.
In the co-main event, Ian Machado Garry outpointed Belal Muhammad over three rounds to propel himself into welterweight title contention.
Post-fight, Khamzat Chimaev got physical with Ian Machado Garry during an angry backstage confrontation.
LATEST NEWS: ‘Please retire’… Fans beg former contender to quit MMA after horrific KO loss at UFC QatarKhamzat Chimaev blames Ian Machado Garry for backstage clashViral footage shows Ian Machado Garry congratulating Arman Tsarukyan on his win at UFC Qatar.
It also shows the Irishman touching Khamzat Chimaev‘s neck while offering some kind words to the entire team.
‘The Wolf’ appeared to take exception to that as he responded by giving Machado Garry several hard pats on the back.
A security guard tried to diffuse the situation, but moments later, Chimaev shoved the 170lb contender.
Who should Ian Machado Garry fight next? Soon after, the 185lb king explained that he pushed Machado Garry because he felt he was touched in a disrespectful manner.
“Don’t punch somebody from behind,” Chimaev said during the UFC Qatar post-fight press conference.
“Yeah, he’s like slapping my back.
“If you wanna show respect, respectfully touch somebody.
“He came there to make some hype. You know that guy is trying to be Conor, but he’s never gonna be Conor [McGregor]. He’s a s— fighter.”
Khamzat Chimaev’s next fightKhamzat Chimaev hasn’t fought since becoming the middleweight champion at UFC 319 in August.
The 31-year-old dominated Dricus du Plessis over five rounds to pick up a unanimous decision win.
It was hoped that he would make the first defence of his 185lb crown before the end of 2025.
Unfortunately, Chimaev is set for an operation that will keep him sidelined until April 2026.
“My return – after Ramadan,” the 15-0 Russian superstar revealed earlier this week.
“Right now, I have a small operation on my foot.
“I’ll step away from training for a couple of weeks, heal my wound. So we’ll prepare after Ramadan.
“Whoever they give me, that’s who I’ll face.”
