Sean Strickland produced one of the biggest upsets in UFC history on Saturday, defeating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey. The American regained the middleweight title and handed the Russian his first professional loss.
All three judges scored the bout 48-47, with two favouring Strickland. Chimaev started strongly, taking Strickland down within 15 seconds of the first round and controlling him for the entire frame, nearly securing a rear-naked choke. However, by round two, Chimaev appeared exhausted, and Strickland defended his takedowns, landing strikes from the guard to win the round.
The fight took an unexpected turn as the rivals, who had a volatile build-up including Chimaev kicking Strickland at a press conference, touched gloves frequently. Chimaev's body language worsened in round three, which he narrowly lost on the feet without attempting a takedown. He bloodied Strickland's nose in round four, which he seemed to win, and scored a late takedown, but Strickland rose before the buzzer.
In the fifth round, Strickland was taken down but got up, landing jabs and front kicks to bloody Chimaev's face. A late takedown attempt by Chimaev was denied, and Strickland finished strong on the feet. The decision ended Chimaev's unbeaten run at 15-1, and he is now expected to move up to light-heavyweight.
Strickland, now 31-7, became a two-time champion, having first won the belt in 2023 by outpointing Israel Adesanya. In the co-main event, Joshua Van defeated Tatsuro Taira in the final round to retain the flyweight title.
