Chimaev's undefeated streak ends with loss to Strickland at UFC 328

Khamzat Chimaev's perfect professional record came to an end on May 9, 2026, when Sean Strickland defeated him by split decision at UFC 328, handing the Borz the first loss of his MMA career.

Chimaev, now 15-1, entered the fight as the number-one ranked middleweight and the tenth-ranked fighter on the pound-for-pound list. The 32-year-old representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center had built his undefeated run on an aggressive, multidimensional game — landing 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and recording 60 percent striking accuracy, numbers that made him one of the most feared competitors in the division. His submission threat was also consistent, averaging 1.8 attempts per 15 minutes.

Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, improved to 31-7 with the victory. The 35-year-old American, who trains at Xtreme Couture, is known for relentless forward pressure and an exceptionally high output, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute. Standing six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, Strickland's volume-heavy orthodox style has defined his championship reign.

Why it matters

• Chimaev's first professional loss ends one of the most closely watched undefeated streaks in the sport and resets the picture at 185 pounds.
• Strickland's successful title defense against the division's top-ranked contender strengthens his claim as the middleweight's dominant force.
• The split decision result leaves room for a rematch conversation, with Chimaev still holding the number-one divisional ranking at 15-1.
• The outcome reshapes the middleweight contender ladder, opening questions about who moves next in line behind Chimaev.