Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev via split decision to reclaim middleweight gold, marking his second major upset after previously beating Israel Adesanya. Strickland was heavily doubted heading into the fight but maintained his standard technical approach throughout. Chimaev showed heart and broke Strickland's nose but faded after a dominant first round, similar to his pattern against Kamaru Usman. One judge, Sue Sanidad, controversially scored round five for Chimaev despite it being Strickland's clearest round. Chimaev indicated immediate plans to move to light heavyweight rather than pursue a rematch, with a potential matchup against Paulo Costa on the horizon. Strickland's next title defense will likely come against Nassourdine Imavov, as the promotion chose not to use Chimaev for that matchup.
Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight championship on May 10, 2026, defeating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision in what stands as the second major upset of his career, following his stunning title win over Israel Adesanya.
Strickland, 35, entered the bout as a heavy underdog yet leaned on the disciplined, high-output technical game that has defined his run at the top of the division. The American, fighting out of Xtreme Couture, carries a 31-7-0 record and posts a remarkable 6.04 significant strikes landed per minute — a volume few middleweights can sustain. His 76-inch reach and orthodox stance allow him to work behind a busy, measured jab, and he used that framework effectively despite Chimaev breaking his nose during the contest.
Chimaev was dominant in the opening round and showed the kind of physical toughness that has characterized his rise, but he faded as the fight wore on, echoing a similar pattern from his contest against Kamaru Usman. One judge, Sue Sanidad, drew criticism for awarding round five to Chimaev, widely viewed as Strickland's clearest frame of the night.
With a rematch apparently off the table, Chimaev has signaled a move to light heavyweight, where a potential matchup with Paulo Costa has been floated. Costa, ranked 13th at middleweight with a 16-4-0 record, is one of the sport's most accurate pressure fighters, connecting at 58 percent on significant strikes and averaging 6.26 per minute. At 35 and standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, the Brazilian would present a physically credible opponent for Chimaev in either division.
For Strickland, attention turns to a title defense against Nassourdine Imavov, with the promotion reportedly steering in that direction rather than booking Chimaev for a second crack at the belt.
Why it matters
- Strickland's second title reign cements him as one of the division's most resilient figures despite consistent pre-fight skepticism
- Chimaev's move to light heavyweight reshapes the 185-pound landscape and removes a top contender from the middleweight picture
- Imavov's expected title shot gives a rising European contender his first crack at championship gold
- A potential Costa-Chimaev bout at light heavyweight adds a marquee name to a division hungry for fresh matchups
