Commentary suggests Sean Strickland's victory over Khamzat Chimaev represents another major upset in his career, following his previous win over Israel Adesanya. The analyst argues the fight was a clear 3-2 rounds for Strickland despite the split decision, questioning why judge Sue Sanidad (working her first UFC event since 2014) scored the fifth round for Chimaev. Chimaev is reportedly ready to move up to light heavyweight (93 kg) rather than pursue a rematch, with Paulo Costa mentioned as a potential opponent. For Strickland, a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov is suggested as a logical next step. The piece notes Strickland now has six victories over current top-15 middleweights. Questions were raised about the fighters showing mutual respect before the bout after months of building hatred, particularly Chimaev saying "I love you" to Strickland during the fight.
Sean Strickland added another chapter to his career as an upset specialist at UFC 328 on May 9, defeating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision to retain the middleweight championship.
Commentary following the bout framed the result as a continuation of a pattern for Strickland, whose most notable prior upset came when he dethroned Israel Adesanya to claim the title. At 35 years old, the American wrestler and pressure fighter out of Xtreme Couture now carries a 31-7-0 record and, according to the analysis, has accumulated six victories over current top-15 middleweights. Strickland stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and lands an aggressive 6.04 significant strikes per minute, a volume that wears opponents down over five rounds.
The analyst argued the scorecard was clear — three rounds to two in favor of Strickland — but raised pointed questions about judge Sue Sanidad, working her first UFC event since 2014, awarding the fifth round to Chimaev despite the split decision outcome. A separate observation noted the surprising moment of warmth between the two fighters during the bout, with Chimaev reportedly telling Strickland "I love you," which struck the commentator as odd given months of publicized animosity between them.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is said to be eyeing a move up to light heavyweight at 93 kg rather than seeking an immediate rematch, with Paulo Costa floated as a potential next opponent at middleweight
- Costa, a 35-year-old Brazilian ranked 13th in the division, posts 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, making him a dangerous stylistic test for anyone
- For Strickland, a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov is suggested as the most logical title defense
- The Sanidad controversy adds a layer of scrutiny to UFC judging that is likely to generate further discussion heading into the next card
Saturday, May 9, 2026
