Strickland Stuns Chimaev for Middleweight Title in UFC 328 Upset

Key facts

• Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328.
• Strickland was a more than 4-to-1 underdog entering the fight.
• Two judges scored the bout 48-47 for Strickland, one judge scored it 48-47 for Chimaev.
• The fight took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
• Khamzat Chimaev suffered his first professional loss, his record now stands at 15-1.
• Strickland previously held the middleweight title, losing it in 2023.
• Joshua Van successfully defended his 125-pound title against Tatsuro Taira in the co-main event.

Strickland Reclaims Middleweight Crown in Shock Upset

Against considerable odds, Sean Strickland has once again ascended to the pinnacle of the UFC's middleweight division. On Saturday night at UFC 328, held within the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Strickland achieved a stunning upset, becoming the first fighter to defeat Khamzat Chimaev. The victory, secured by a split decision, dethroned the previously undefeated Chimaev and marked a dramatic return to the top for the American. Entering the contest as a significant underdog, with many sportsbooks listing him at over 4-to-1, Strickland showcased a masterful blend of striking acumen and tenacious defensive wrestling. This performance effectively neutralized Chimaev's formidable grappling, allowing Strickland to land enough significant strikes to secure the championship. The bout concluded after five grueling rounds, with two judges scoring the contest 48-47 in favor of Strickland. A single dissenting judge scored it 48-47 for Chimaev. This result elevates the often-controversial American back to middleweight champion, nearly three years after his own surprising title victory over Israel Adesanya in 2023.

A Fight Marked by Tense Build-Up and Tactical Warfare

The championship bout followed a particularly acrimonious build-up, characterized by inflammatory rhetoric from both fighters. Strickland, in particular, engaged in what he later described as "weaponizing stereotypes" to promote the fight, including threats of gun violence and labeling Chimaev a "terrorist" due to his Chechen ties. This heightened tension led to an increased security presence at the event, though the animosity did not spill over into physical altercations before or during the fight. Post-fight, an elated Strickland offered an apology to his diverse fanbase, acknowledging he "went too f*ing hard" in his promotional efforts. "I should be a better f*ing example," he stated, while also defending his actions as a means to "sell these fights." Despite the pre-fight hostilities, the fighters demonstrated mutual respect once the cage door closed, tapping gloves to commence the bout. Chimaev, fighting under the United Arab Emirates banner, had vowed to "take off" Strickland's head, while Strickland had threatened to "shoot" him. The professional conduct displayed in the octagon contrasted sharply with the preceding verbal sparring.

Chimaev's Dominance Stymied by Strickland's Resilience

From the outset, Chimaev, ranked No. 3 pound-for-pound by Uncrowned, sought to impose his grappling dominance. Within 20 seconds, he secured a crucial takedown, transitioning to Strickland's back and attempting a rear-naked choke. For much of the opening round, Chimaev appeared to overwhelm Strickland with a barrage of takedowns and control from dominant positions. However, Strickland weathered this early storm, demonstrating remarkable resilience. By the second round, he had not only survived Chimaev's grappling assaults but began to regain control. He successfully defended Chimaev's takedown attempts while effectively utilizing his signature "Philly Shell" style to land jabs and combinations. Chimaev appeared to visibly tire as the fight progressed into the third round, a trend that continued throughout the bout. Remarkably, Chimaev failed to attempt a single takedown in the third round, instead finding himself repeatedly walking into the end of Strickland's jab. While Chimaev regained some momentum in the fourth with powerful strikes and another takedown, the fight remained precariously balanced heading into the final round.

A Decisive Final Round and Split Decision

With all three judges scoring the bout at two rounds apiece heading into the fifth and final frame, the championship hung in the balance. Strickland seized the opportunity, mounting a final surge of offense that left a lasting impression on the judges. He out-landed Chimaev by a significant margin of 33-21 in significant strikes during the last five minutes. Chimaev reverted to his grappling, successfully executing six of seven takedown attempts in the final round. However, he was unable to maintain Strickland on the mat for any substantial period. This inability to secure prolonged control ultimately proved decisive when the scorecards were tallied. The official scores reflected the razor-thin nature of the contest: two judges scored it 48-47 for Strickland, while the third judge favored Chimaev by the same score. The split decision awarded Strickland the middleweight title, handing Chimaev his first professional defeat after an impressive 15-1 record.

Strickland's Journey Back to the Top

Sean Strickland's path to reclaiming the middleweight title has been a notable one. After capturing the belt in September 2023, he lost it in his very first title defense. His victory at UFC 328 makes him the second former middleweight champion to regain the crown. His performance also marked a significant moment for his career, as he survived numerous submission attempts and takedowns in the first round, a scenario few outside his camp anticipated. Chimaev, who entered the fight as an unbeaten force, was widely expected to continue his dominant run. Strickland himself acknowledged sustaining a broken nose during the fight. In a moment of sportsmanship, Chimaev, despite the loss, voluntarily wrapped the championship belt around Strickland's waist after the decision was announced, signifying a degree of respect between the former training partners.

Co-Main Event Thriller: Van Defends Flyweight Title

The UFC 328 card also featured a compelling co-main event where Joshua Van successfully defended his 125-pound flyweight title against Tatsuro Taira. This bout was historic, marking the first UFC title fight contested between two fighters born in the 2000s, and the first championship bout featuring two Asian competitors. Van, representing Myanmar, displayed superior boxing skills throughout the fight, ultimately securing a stoppage victory at 1:32 of the fifth round. His performance earned a roaring ovation from the crowd in Newark. Since winning the title against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323, Van has maintained his championship status. He seized control in the second round with a powerful right hand that sent Taira to the canvas. Despite failing to finish the fight in that round, Van continued to inflict damage, leaving Taira's face and body visibly bloodied by the bout's conclusion. Taira, from Japan, was unable to become the first Japanese fighter to win a UFC championship.

Looking Ahead: The Shifting Landscape of Middleweight

Sean Strickland's unexpected triumph at UFC 328 has dramatically reshaped the middleweight division. His victory over Khamzat Chimaev, a fighter many considered a future legend, signals a new chapter for the division and raises immediate questions about the path forward for both fighters. Chimaev's first loss ends a formidable undefeated streak and will undoubtedly prompt a re-evaluation of his strategies and trajectory within the UFC. Meanwhile, Strickland's return to the championship fold, achieved through a performance that defied expectations, solidifies his position as a resilient and dangerous contender. The implications of this upset extend beyond the immediate title picture, potentially influencing matchmaking and contender rankings for months to come. The division now awaits its next moves, with Strickland firmly entrenched at the top once more.

The bottom line

• Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev via split decision to win the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 328.
• Strickland, a significant underdog, utilized a tactical striking and defensive wrestling approach to overcome Chimaev's grappling.
• Khamzat Chimaev suffered his first professional loss, ending his undefeated streak.
• The fight took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with a large crowd in attendance.
• Strickland apologized for his pre-fight trash talk, acknowledging he had "gone too hard" in promoting the bout.
• Joshua Van successfully defended his flyweight title against Tatsuro Taira in the co-main event.