Dana White revealed he scored the UFC 328 main event 2-2 going into the fifth round, which he believed Sean Strickland won. White was not surprised that Khamzat Chimaev didn't wrestle, recalling Chimaev's comments about his striking during Fight Island. White noted he had recently mentioned that Chimaev hadn't fought much in striking exchanges lately. White also referenced that Chimaev had a difficult weight cut but praised him as a tough fighter and "beast" who he expected wouldn't quit after the brutal second round. The commentary provides insight into the judging controversy and strategic decisions.
UFC President Dana White has weighed in on the scoring controversy surrounding the UFC 328 middleweight title fight between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev, revealing he had the bout even at two rounds apiece heading into the fifth and decisive frame, which he personally awarded to Strickland.
Strickland, 35, retained his middleweight championship and improved his record to 31-7-0 with the victory. The American fighter out of Xtreme Couture is known for relentless output, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute, and his 76-inch reach gives him the tools to dictate range over extended championship rounds.
Chimaev, the number-one ranked middleweight and number-ten pound-for-pound fighter, slips to 15-1-0 with the defeat. The 32-year-old representing the United Arab Emirates and Allstars Training Center entered the fight as one of the most feared wrestlers in the division, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. White acknowledged he was not surprised Chimaev chose to stay on the feet, pointing to comments the fighter had made about his striking during his Fight Island appearances. White had also recently noted publicly that Chimaev had not engaged in many striking exchanges in his recent outings.
White added that Chimaev endured a difficult weight cut ahead of the contest but praised him as a tough competitor and a "beast," saying he fully expected the Swede-born fighter to push through after a brutal second round rather than quit.
Why it matters
- White's 48-47 scorecard for Strickland adds to the debate surrounding the judges' cards from UFC 328
- Chimaev's decision to abandon his grappling-heavy game plan, which produces 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, remains a central talking point
- A rematch or the future direction of the middleweight division hinges on how the judging controversy is resolved
- Chimaev's weight cut issues may factor into future matchmaking and division decisions
Saturday, May 9, 2026
