Chimaev loses undefeated status, drops from active fighters' no-loss list

Khamzat Chimaev's perfect record is no more. The middleweight contender suffered the first loss of his professional career at UFC 328 on May 9, falling to Sean Strickland via split decision and dropping off the sport's elite no-loss list as a result.

Chimaev, 32, representing the United Arab Emirates out of Allstars Training Center, had built one of the most feared unbeaten records in combat sports at 15-0 before Friday night. Ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth pound-for-pound, "Borz" built his reputation on relentless pressure and elite grappling, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes with a remarkable 60 percent striking accuracy. He now sits at 15-1.

Standing across from him was reigning middleweight champion Sean Strickland, who improved to 31-7 with the victory. The 35-year-old American, training out of Xtreme Couture, is known for his high-volume output, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute. The six-foot-one, 193 cm champion with a 76-inch reach has now defended his title with a signature grinding performance.

Why it matters

• Chimaev's removal from the no-loss list ends one of the most closely watched unbeaten streaks among active fighters in major promotions
• The list still features Movlid Khaybulaev (24-0-1-1NC), Usman Nurmagomedov (21-0-1NC), Movsar Evloev (20-0), and Ilia Topuria (17-0)
• Alikhan Musaev (11-0) and Baysangur Susurkayev, fresh off a UFC 328 win, are newly added to the list
• At 15-1 and still ranked first at middleweight, Chimaev remains a central figure in the division despite the defeat