UFC 328: Sean Strickland Defeats Khamzat Chimaev, Regains Middleweight Championship

Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) to regain the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 328, which took place on Saturday night, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Strickland, a +400 underdog, utilized a defensive wrestling strategy and a persistent lead jab to neutralize Chimaev’s grappling, securing his second middleweight title.

Chimaev dominated during thge first round with an early takedown and ground control, nearly securing a submission before the round ended. Strickland regained control on the feet during 2 and 3, stuffing takedowns and landing significant strikes, including a moment where he reversed Chimaev to the mat.

Chimaev landed heavy power shots in the fourth round and secured a late takedown to close the round strongly. He also scored an early takedown in the fifth round, but Strickland escaped and out-struck the champion on the feet, landing the decisive blows that influenced the judges.

After the winner was announced, Chimaev respectfully placed the title belt around Strickland’s waist before leaving the octagon, acknowledging the tough battle.

In post-fight remarks Strickland apologized for his pre-fight trash talk, saying: “I want to apologize to my American fans, to my Muslim fans and my Christian fans, I went too fucking hard, I admit it... Chechnya has great fighters. They’re savage. He’s a fucking savage. I should be a better fucking example but I try to sell these fights for you fuckers.” He also praised Chimaev’s durability, noting, “That motherfucker would not go back... Crazy.”

The event was defined by intense "bad blood" between the fighters, including Chimaev kicking Strickland during a press conference face-off. Strickland entered as a massive underdog against Chimaev’s 15-0 undefeated streak (entering the fight). This victory marks Strickland’s second title win, following his upset over Israel Adesanya in 2023, while ending Chimaev’s perfect UFC career.

Chimaev reportedly plans to move to light heavyweight for future fights, ending his reign at 185 pounds.

In other UFC 328 main card fight results, flyweight title champion Joshua Van defeated Tatsuro Taira via TKO (punches) at 1:32 of Round 5, retaining his title in a back-and-forth thriller.

In the heavyweight category Alexander Volkov** defeated Waldo Cortes-Acosta via unanimous decision. In the welterweight, Sean Brady defeated Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision.

In the prelims, King Green submitted Jeremy Stephens; Yaroslav Amosov submitted Joel Alvarez; Jim Miller submitted Jared Gordon.