Sean Strickland delivered another major upset by defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, having been heavily underestimated going into the fight. This marks Strickland's second upset of the year, following his victory over Israel Adesanya. The analyst notes Chimaev showed no ultimate answers to Strickland's basic skill set, similar to patterns seen in Chimaev's fight against Kamaru Usman where he dominated early but faded due to cardio issues. The decision was scored 3-2 for Strickland with one judge, Sue Sanidad, controversially scoring the fifth round for Chimaev. Following the loss, Chimaev is reportedly ready to move up to light heavyweight. The post suggests a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov makes logical sense for Strickland's next title defense, as burning Chimaev's aura on an Imavov fight was deemed unnecessary.
Sean Strickland retained the UFC middleweight championship with a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, pulling off what many are calling his second major upset of the year.
Strickland, 35, carries a professional record of 31 wins and 7 losses and continues to reign as middleweight champion out of Xtreme Couture. The American stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and operates from an orthodox stance. He averages an aggressive 6.04 significant strikes per minute, a relentless output that has consistently confounded elite opponents. Earlier this year he stunned the division by defeating former champion Israel Adesanya, and he has now added Chimaev's name to that list.
Chimaev, the number-one ranked middleweight and number-ten ranked pound-for-pound fighter, entered the contest as a heavy favorite. The 32-year-old, who fights out of Allstars Training Center, boasts a record of 15-1-0 and brings an imposing skill set highlighted by an enormous 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and a 60 percent striking accuracy. Analysts noted, however, that his cardio became a factor late in the fight, drawing comparisons to his previous outing against Kamaru Usman, where he dominated early before fading in the championship rounds. The decision was scored 3-2 in Strickland's favor, with judge Sue Sanidad controversially awarding the fifth round to Chimaev.
Following the loss, Chimaev is reportedly considering a move up to light heavyweight.
Why it matters
- Strickland has now upset two of the division's most celebrated names within the same calendar year, firmly establishing himself as a legitimate long-term champion
- Chimaev drops to 15-1-0, and his cardio questions now become a defining narrative heading into whatever division he competes in next
- A title defense against ranked contender Nassourdine Imavov is being discussed as the logical next step for Strickland, with analysts arguing Chimaev's unbeaten aura need not have been risked on that matchup
Saturday, May 9, 2026
