A detailed analysis of Sean Strickland's victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 highlights the American's status as a major underdog before the fight. The analyst sees Strickland's win as a clean 3-2 round victory and the upset of the year for the second time in his career, following his previous victory over Israel Adesanya. While praising Chimaev's effort despite cardio issues reminiscent of his fight with Kamaru Usman, the analyst criticizes both fighters for reconciling before the bout after months of building animosity. The post suggests Chimaev will move to light heavyweight, potentially facing Paulo Costa, while Strickland could face Nassourdine Imavov next. The analyst notes Strickland now has six wins over current top-15 middleweights.
Sean Strickland picked up what one prominent analyst is calling the upset of the year — for the second time in his career — with a hard-fought victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 on May 9.
The analyst scored the contest 3-2 in rounds for Strickland, framing it as a clean decision win despite the champion entering the fight as a significant underdog. It mirrors the narrative surrounding Strickland's previous title-winning effort against Israel Adesanya, which the same observer also deemed a landmark upset. Strickland, now 31-7, is 35 years old and represents Xtreme Couture out of the United States. The middleweight champion stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and is among the busiest strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute. The victory is noted as his sixth win over a current top-15 middleweight, underscoring the consistency of his run at the top of the 185-pound class.
Chimaev, while praised for his effort, was criticized for showing cardio problems reminiscent of his bout with Kamaru Usman. The analyst also took aim at both men for seemingly burying their months-long public animosity before fight night, a reconciliation that drew pointed criticism in the post-fight breakdown.
Why it matters
- Strickland's second "upset of the year" win cements his status as one of the division's most resilient competitors
- Chimaev's cardio concerns, now appearing in multiple high-profile bouts, raise questions about his middleweight future — the analyst suggests a move to light heavyweight may follow, with Paulo Costa floated as a potential matchup
- At middleweight, Strickland's next likely challenger is identified as Nassourdine Imavov, which would keep the title picture active in the near term
Saturday, May 9, 2026
