Strickland shares post-fight photo: 'Best job in the world'

Sean Strickland took to social media the morning after UFC 328 to share a post-fight photo of himself, captioning the image "Best job in the world" following his split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev on May 9, 2026.

The photo offered fans a candid look at the middleweight champion's condition after what was clearly a grueling contest, while his message signaled a fighter at peace with the physical cost of his profession. The brief but telling post landed as one of the more earnest moments from a fighter not known for holding back.

Strickland, 35, carries a record of 31-7-0 and continues to reign as middleweight champion representing Xtreme Couture out of the United States. Standing six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, "Tarzan" is one of the division's most relentless pressure fighters, averaging 6.04 significant strikes landed per minute — a volume that wears on opponents across every round. He converts at 42 percent striking accuracy, and while his ground game is not his calling card, he mixes in takedowns at a rate of 0.71 per 15 minutes to keep opponents honest.

Why it matters

• The win over Chimaev, one of the division's most feared contenders, stands among the most significant victories of Strickland's career and reinforces his standing as champion.
• A split decision result against a fighter of Chimaev's caliber will fuel continued conversation about the middleweight division's competitive depth.
• Strickland's social media moment, understated as it was, reflects a champion comfortable in his role despite the punishment the job demands.