Khamzat Chimaev suffered the first defeat of his professional career, losing by split decision to Sean Strickland at UFC 328. The updated list of active undefeated fighters with more than 10 wins competing in major promotions now shows Chimaev with a 15-1 record, marked with an X to indicate his loss. The list, which tracks fighters who haven't been inactive for more than two years and haven't retired, previously showed Chimaev at 15-0. Baysangur Susurkaev improved to 12-0 with a submission victory over Jorden Santos at the same event, while Alikhan Musaev joined the list at 11-0 after defeating Furkhat Komilov at ACA 203.
Khamzat Chimaev's perfect professional record came to an end on May 9 at UFC 328, where reigning middleweight champion Sean Strickland handed him a split decision defeat in what stands as the first loss of Chimaev's career.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," entered the fight at 15-0 and ranked first in the middleweight division, with a pound-for-pound ranking of tenth. The 30-year-old — now 32 and fighting out of the UAE under the Allstars Training Center banner — had built his undefeated run on an extraordinary combination of wrestling volume and striking precision. His 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 60 percent striking accuracy ranked among the most dominant offensive profiles in the sport. He now carries a 15-1 record.
Strickland, the middleweight champion, improved to 31-7 with the victory. The 35-year-old American, who trains at Xtreme Couture, is one of the most active strikers in the division, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute. His 76-inch reach and disciplined orthodox style have been central to his success, and this win further cements his standing at the top of the 185-pound class.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's first career loss reshapes the middleweight landscape, with the division's top-ranked contender now carrying a blemish heading into any future title rematch conversation.
- Strickland's win strengthens his case as a long-term champion, having now defeated the division's most hyped unbeaten contender.
- The split decision result leaves room for a rematch argument, keeping the middleweight picture unsettled.
Elsewhere at UFC 328, Baysangur Susurkaev moved to 12-0 with a submission victory over Jorden Santos. Separately, Alikhan Musaev entered the active undefeated list at 11-0 following a win over Furkhat Komilov at ACA 203.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
