Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 to become only the second middleweight champion in UFC history to regain the belt after losing it, joining Israel Adesanya. Chimaev dominated the first round with grappling but faded in cardio as the fight progressed, similar to his pattern against Kamaru Usman. Strickland used his standard striking game to outwork Chimaev over five rounds, with most observers scoring it 3-2 for Strickland. Following the loss, Chimaev announced his intention to move up to light heavyweight, with a potential matchup against Paulo Costa mentioned. Strickland now holds six wins over current top-15 middleweights and is expected to face Nassourdine Imavov next in a logical title defense.
Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 328 on May 9, defeating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision in a grueling five-round contest to become a two-time titleholder at 185 pounds.
Strickland, now 31-7, retained the belt he previously lost and cemented his place among the division's all-time figures. The 35-year-old American out of Xtreme Couture is one of the sport's most relentless volume strikers, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute, and he used that output to systematically outwork Chimaev across the championship rounds. Most observers scored the contest 3-2 in Strickland's favor. With the victory, Strickland now holds six wins over current top-15 middleweights, underlining just how deep his resume has grown.
The result makes Strickland only the second middleweight in UFC history to regain the title after losing it, joining Israel Adesanya on that short list. Adesanya, now 24-6 and ranked eighth in the division, previously recaptured the belt himself after dropping it to Strickland in 2023.
Chimaev reportedly entered the bout as the aggressor early, controlling the first round through his grappling before his cardio visibly deteriorated — a pattern that echoed his prior outing against Kamaru Usman. Following the defeat, Chimaev indicated he intends to move up to light heavyweight, with Paulo Costa floated as a potential opponent. Costa, 16-4 and ranked 13th at middleweight, would represent a significant stylistic test given his elite striking accuracy of 58 percent and a pace of 6.26 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Strickland becoming a two-time middleweight champion adds rare historical significance to an already storied 185-pound division
- Chimaev's move to light heavyweight, if confirmed, reshapes the middleweight landscape and opens the door for new contenders
- A Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov title defense is the expected next step, with divisional rankings set to shift following Chimaev's departure
Saturday, May 9, 2026
