An analyst expresses satisfaction with Sean Strickland's victory at UFC 328, noting this is his second major upset after defeating Adesanya. Strickland was considered an underdog and "feeding" for Chimaev, yet delivered a clean 3-2 round victory despite split decision scoring. The analysis notes Chimaev showed cardio issues similar to his Usman fight, dominating the first round before fading. Chimaev is now confirmed to be moving to light heavyweight, with Paulo Costa mentioned as a potential opponent. For Strickland, a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov is suggested as a logical next step, with Strickland now holding six wins over current top-15 opponents. The analyst questions why both fighters appeared friendly before the bout after months of building intense rivalry.
Sean Strickland retained the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, defeating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision in what analysts are calling one of the more surprising outcomes in recent divisional history.
Strickland, 35, now carries a 31-7-0 record and continues to defy expectations at 185 pounds. The American wrestler-striker out of Xtreme Couture fights out of an orthodox stance, stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, and produces an eye-catching 6.04 significant strikes per minute. One analyst highlighted that this marks Strickland's second major upset win, the first being his title-stealing performance against Israel Adesanya, and noted that Strickland entered the Chimaev bout widely viewed as a heavy underdog. The victory pushes Strickland to six wins over current top-15 opponents.
The post-fight analysis pointed to familiar cardio problems from Chimaev, drawing direct comparisons to his fight against Kamaru Usman. Chimaev reportedly dominated the opening round before fading as the bout progressed, which contributed to the 3-2 scorecards in Strickland's favor. Chimaev has now been confirmed to be moving up to light heavyweight, with Paulo Costa floated as a potential crossroads opponent at 205 pounds. Costa, ranked 13th at middleweight, carries a 16-4-0 record and lands a remarkable 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making any matchup involving him a high-volume striking contest by default.
Why it matters
- Strickland's second major upset win cements his status as one of the most resilient champions in the middleweight division
- Chimaev's move to light heavyweight reshapes the 185-pound landscape and opens a new contender spot
- A potential Strickland rematch with Nassourdine Imavov was identified as the most logical next title defense
- The pre-fight camaraderie between Strickland and Chimaev drew scrutiny given the intensity of their buildup, raising questions about the rivalry's authenticity
Saturday, May 9, 2026
