Strickland Upsets Chimaev by Split Decision to Reclaim UFC Middleweight Title

Sean Strickland upset Khamzat Chimaev on Saturday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, winning the UFC middleweight title by split decision after five rounds in the UFC 328 co-main event.

Chimaev entered the fight undefeated in 16 bouts and his UFC career, carrying the favorite's tag. Strickland revealed after the win that he fought through a shoulder injury. Chimaev placed the belt around Strickland's waist following the judges' decision.

"Funny story – on Tuesday, I’m sparring Johnny Eblen, that motherfucker, PFL champ. I’m at Plinio Cruz’s gym. He shoots on me, and I hit his brick-ass wall, and I separate my shoulder," Strickland said at the post-fight press conference. "So, I had a grade one AC joint separation on Tuesday. I remember lying in bed on Tuesday night, and I can’t lie on my right side. I’m like, ‘You’re such a fucking idiot. You’re such a fucking idiot."

Strickland skipped his usual pre-fight warmups in the dressing room to protect the shoulder. The injury complicated matters against Chimaev, a wrestler who has controlled opponents on the ground throughout his UFC run.

Chimaev took Strickland down just 15 seconds into the first round, delivering the early dominance many expected. Strickland stayed upright in the second, landing strikes and building momentum as the fighters traded blows.

Both men were bloodied by the fifth round. Strickland said Chimaev pointed to the mat near the end, signaling for stand-up haymakers to entertain the crowd. "He pointed at the mat and said, ‘Let’s give the people what they want, let’s have the man dance,’ or some shit. And I was like, ‘OK. I trust you, the guy that just kicked me in the balls yesterday. I trust you, Chimaev. You seem like a real trustworthy guy. I like your smile. We shook hands, I believe you.’ So, I put my hands up, and he fucking shoots at me," Strickland recounted.

Despite the late takedown attempt, the fighters showed mutual respect during the bout and afterward with Chimaev's gesture of handing over the belt.