Sean Strickland's victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 has been described as the upset of the year, with Strickland defying expectations for the second time after his previous win over Israel Adesanya. The fight ended with a close 3-2 split decision in Strickland's favor, though one judge controversially scored the fifth round for Chimaev. Chimaev showed no interest in an immediate rematch and appears ready to move up to light heavyweight, with Paulo Costa as a potential opponent. Strickland's championship reign may be short-lived, but his win opens the door for waiting contenders. A logical next step would be a rematch between Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov, as Strickland now holds six victories over current top-15 middleweights.
Sean Strickland pulled off what many are already calling the upset of the year, defeating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 on May 9 to retain his middleweight championship in a fight that went the full five rounds.
The scores were close, finishing 3-2 in Strickland's favor, with one judge controversially awarding the fifth round to Chimaev. It was the second time the 35-year-old American has defied the odds at the highest level, having previously shocked Israel Adesanya to claim the belt. Fighting out of Xtreme Couture, Strickland now carries a 31-7 record and stands as one of the division's most durable and active champions, averaging an impressive 6.04 significant strikes landed per minute over his career with a 76-inch reach.
Chimaev, for his part, has reportedly shown no desire for an immediate rematch and is said to be eyeing a move up to light heavyweight, with Paulo Costa floated as a possible opponent should that plan not materialize. Costa, ranked 13th at middleweight and fighting out of Brazil, brings elite striking volume of his own at 6.26 significant strikes per minute and a career accuracy mark of 58 percent, making him a credible crossroads opponent at either weight.
Why it matters
- Strickland now holds six victories over current top-15 middleweights, cementing his legitimacy as champion
- His win over Chimaev clears the path for waiting contenders, with a rematch against Nassourdine Imavov emerging as a logical next title defense
- Chimaev's potential move to light heavyweight reshapes the middleweight contender picture entirely
- Israel Adesanya, ranked eighth at middleweight with a 24-6 record, remains in the divisional mix as Strickland's reign continues
Saturday, May 9, 2026
