Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight title with a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, held Sunday at the Prudential Center in Newark. Strickland won two of the three judges' scorecards 48-47, while Chimaev took one card by the same margin. The result snapped Chimaev's perfect 15-0 record, handing him the first loss of his professional MMA career. Inside the octagon, Strickland relied on sharp counter-striking and precise movement to offset Chimaev's aggressive grappling attempts throughout the five-round bout. Chants of "U-S-A!" echoed as Strickland raised the belt, though pockets of boos mixed with cheers from the crowd. The win marks Strickland's second reign as champion, following his previous title loss to Dricus du Plessis in 2024. At the post-fight press conference, Strickland stated, "He missed weight. I know, I should get 20 per cent of his purse," suggesting Chimaev failed to make the required limit for a title fight. The comment added tension to an already charged atmosphere following the narrow outcome. Strickland's tactical discipline contrasted with Chimaev's uncharacteristic inability to secure dominant control, despite repeated takedown efforts. The event also fueled speculation about a potential rematch with former champion Israel Adesanya, who has publicly called for another shot at Strickland.
Strickland exposed Chimaev's vulnerability to sustained counter-striking, a flaw never tested during his 15-fight unbeaten run. This loss strips Chimaev of the aura of invincibility that had built around him despite never previously facing a top-ranked contender like Strickland. No Nigerian or African fighter featured in the event.
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