Sean Strickland was captured meeting with his father-in-law backstage after winning the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328. In the encounter, Strickland told his father-in-law, "I might not be the son-in-law you wanted, but here we are." The lighthearted moment came shortly after Strickland's split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev. The post provides a brief but personal glimpse into Strickland's post-fight celebrations. Details about the father-in-law's reaction or further context were not provided.
Sean Strickland capped off his UFC 328 victory with a characteristically unfiltered moment backstage, sharing a candid exchange with his father-in-law shortly after reclaiming or retaining the UFC middleweight title on May 9, 2026.
Strickland, 35, was captured on camera telling his father-in-law, "I might not be the son-in-law you wanted, but here we are." The quip drew on the same blunt, self-aware humor that has made the American fighter one of the most distinctive personalities in the sport. The lighthearted scene offered a rare personal glimpse into Strickland's post-fight world beyond the cage.
The Xtreme Couture product now carries a 31-7-0 record and holds the middleweight championship, cementing himself among the elite 185-pound fighters in the world. Standing six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, the orthodox striker is known for his relentless volume, averaging 6.04 significant strikes landed per minute. He secured the win over Khamzat Chimaev by split decision, a result that will do little to quiet the debates that tend to follow close championship fights.
Why it matters
- Strickland retaining the middleweight title keeps him at the apex of the 185-pound division with a 31-7-0 record
- A split decision win over Chimaev is likely to fuel immediate calls for a rematch in one of the division's most anticipated rivalries
- The backstage moment humanizes one of the UFC's most polarizing champions, adding texture to his public persona beyond his in-cage performances
Saturday, May 9, 2026
