Arman Tsarukyan was in Khamzat Chimaev’s corner for UFC 328, and he’s reacted to “Borz’s” stunning loss.

Chimaev failed to retain the UFC Middleweight Championship this past Saturday. It was evident in the second round that Strickland was able to have some success thwarting Chimaev’s grappling. “Borz” decided to save his energy for a standup war with the man he once sparred with.

Chimaev went the distance, but this time he wasn’t dominant or even good enough in two of the judges eyes to be declared the winner. Instead, Strickland was awarded the split decision win to capture the UFC Middleweight Championship a second time. It’s quite the feat for Strickland, who now has two major upset wins in title fights.

Tsarukyan took to his Instagram account to hint that Chimaev didn’t look quite like himself inside the Octagon on fight night.

“We fought our hearts out tonight and everyone watching knows what really happened,” Tsarukyan wrote. “Head up Champ. You will get your belt back soon.”

What happens next with Chimaev will be a story to watch in the coming weeks. During the UFC 328 post-fight press conference, Dana White revealed that Chimaev told him he will be moving up to light heavyweight. Shortly after that claim, Chimaev took to his X account to tease a rematch with Strickland at some point.

Chimaev wasn’t shy about his 205-pound aspirations prior to sharing the Octagon with Strickland in Newark. Time will tell if “Borz” decides he can continue cutting down to 185 pounds or if he will ultimately decide that a move to light heavyweight is best for his future.

BJPenn.com will keep you posted with the latest updates on Chimaev’s future.

If you were advising Khamzat Chimaev, would you tell him to move up or stay at middleweight? Tell us what you would suggest to “Borz” in the comments below.