The hostility between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland was expected to reach a boiling point at UFC 328. Instead, something unexpected happened. They were cordial.

There was a fairly endless amount of personal insults traded and bad blood exchanged in the lead up to their five-round middleweight title fight, yet the duo still touched gloves at the start of the fight. As the bout wore on and both men grew bloody, they showed respect with further glove touches. After the bout concluded and Strickland was named the victor in a stunning upset, Chimaev wrapped the belt around his opponent's waist, while Strickland apologized for his words in his post-fight interview.

Not everybody was impressed by the display of civility, and there has been some backlash towards Strickland for openly admitting that he was trying to sell the fight. Speaking to his fans on social media, Chimaev explained his decision to forgive Strickland.

Chimaev Explains His Forgiveness

"And regarding that guy, he said a lot of unnecessary things," Chimaev said on his Instagram story. "People were asking why I shook his hand and why I put the belt on him afterward. We don't have the habit of talking or fighting after a loss. If we fight, we fight inside the cage, and we fought as best as we could. What Allah has decided is no longer in our control. That guy lowered his head and asked for forgiveness. If a person asks for forgiveness, I can forgive him. I'm not an oppressor so that I would refuse to forgive."

Strickland's Shoulder Injury Revealed

Bad news for Sean Strickland, who just had his injured shoulder checked out after UFC 328.

"Type 2 AC separation," Strickland wrote on social media. "Extended Type V SLAP tear. Partial rotator cuff tearing/tendinosis. Gonna have to walk this one off."

AC separation is a dislocation of the joint where the collarbone meets the highest point of the shoulder blade, according to Cleveland Clinic. A Type V SLAP tear is considered a more severe injury with a detachment of the labrum and biceps tendon. Arthroscopic surgery is common, with an average recovery window of six months.

Chimaev Obsessed with Rematch

Though the beef has concluded for now, that may not be the end of the sporting rivalry. Though he initially announced his intention of jumping to 205 pounds, Chimaev has since stated his desire for an immediate rematch.

"The rematch with Sean Strickland is the only fight that Khamzat wants, he is obsessed with it," his team told ESPN. "That's the only fight he will accept right now."

Which direction he goes, as well as which direction the UFC wants him to go, remains to be seen.

Chimaev's RAF Debut Approaching

Fortunately for Chimaev, he has plenty to keep him busy in the interim. "Borz" makes his Real American Freestyle (RAF) debut next month against professional agitator Dillon Danis. A victory over the former Bellator MMA welterweight could help the ex-champ regain some of his "lost aura."

Final Thoughts

The two enemies who traded threats of violence for months ended the night embracing. Chimaev forgave Strickland for his words. Strickland apologized for going too far. But the rivalry may not be over. Chimaev wants the rematch. Strickland is now sidelined with a significant shoulder injury. The UFC has decisions to make.