Sean Strickland's victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 marks his second major upset in recent years after defeating Israel Adesanya. The analyst notes Strickland was heavily underestimated and delivered his standard performance, while Chimaev showed no ultimate answers to Strickland's skillset. Chimaev's cardio issues became apparent after the first round, similar to his fight against Kamaru Usman. The bout scored 3-2 for Strickland with split decision controversy. Chimaev is now planning to move up to light heavyweight, potentially facing Paulo Costa, while Strickland may defend against Nassourdine Imavov. The analyst questions why both fighters abandoned their pre-fight animosity to shake hands before the bout.
Sean Strickland retained the middleweight championship with a split-decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, delivering what analysts are calling his second landmark upset win of his recent career.
Strickland, 35, came into the fight as the reigning middleweight champion with a 31-7-0 record. The American product of Xtreme Couture is known for his relentless output, averaging 6.04 significant strikes landed per minute with a 76-inch reach that helps him control distance. Despite being heavily underestimated heading into the bout, he delivered what observers described as a characteristically methodical performance, eventually earning a 3-2 judges' scorecard.
Chimaev, who entered the contest as one of the division's most feared challengers, reportedly saw his cardio deteriorate after the opening round — a pattern analysts have compared to his previous bout against Kamaru Usman. The Chechen-Swedish fighter's inability to find answers to Strickland's style proved decisive across five rounds, and he is now said to be considering a move up to light heavyweight, with a potential matchup against Paulo Costa floated as a possibility.
Costa, ranked 13th at middleweight and carrying a 16-4-0 record, is one of the sport's most prolific strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. Whether a Costa fight materializes at light heavyweight or stays at 185 pounds remains unclear.
For Strickland, the likely next chapter involves a possible title defense against Nassourdine Imavov, though nothing has been formally announced.
Why it matters
- Strickland's win cements his status as a legitimate long-term middleweight champion following his earlier upset of Israel Adesanya
- Chimaev's recurring cardio concerns raise serious questions about his ceiling against elite opposition
- A Chimaev move to light heavyweight would significantly reshape both divisional landscapes
- The split-decision margin keeps controversy alive and could influence how rematches or rankings are structured
Saturday, May 9, 2026
