Sean Strickland secured a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, marking his second major upset after previously defeating Israel Adesanya. Despite being heavily underestimated and positioned as a sacrificial opponent to create a big main event, Strickland won with his standard skillset and defensive boxing approach. Chimaev showed familiar patterns from his fight with Kamaru Usman: dominant first-round grappling followed by cardio decline and being forced into extended striking exchanges. The author scored the fight 3-2 for Strickland and was surprised it was a split decision, with judge Sue Sanidad controversially awarding the fifth round to Chimaev. Chimaev is now reportedly moving to light heavyweight and appears uninterested in a rematch. With Chimaev leaving the division, Strickland's next logical opponent could be Nassourdine Imavov in a rematch, though Strickland's reign is not expected to be lengthy.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
