Khamzat Chimaev's facial injuries shown after Strickland bout at UFC 328

Photos circulating across multiple channels in the days following UFC 328 offer a striking look at the physical punishment Khamzat Chimaev absorbed during his five-round middleweight title fight against Sean Strickland on May 9, 2026. The images show visible facial damage sustained by Chimaev across the course of the grueling championship bout, which he ultimately lost by split decision.

Chimaev, known as "Borz," entered the contest as the number-one ranked middleweight and the tenth-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The 32-year-old representing the United Arab Emirates carried a 15-1 record into the fight and brought elite wrestling credentials with him — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 60 percent of his significant strikes, among the highest accuracy figures in the division. Going the full five rounds in a title fight was itself a testament to his durability and competitive resilience.

Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, retained his belt with the split decision victory. The 35-year-old American, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, owns a 31-7 record and is one of the most high-volume strikers in the sport, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a six-foot-one frame and a 76-inch reach. His relentless forward pressure and output over championship rounds have become hallmarks of his title reign.

Why it matters

• The facial damage images underscore how competitive the fight was over five rounds, despite the split decision outcome.
• Chimaev's first defeat at 15-1 raises questions about the trajectory of the division's top contender.
• Strickland's ability to outwork an elite wrestler and striker reinforces his standing as a legitimate, durable champion.
• The visible toll on both men speaks to the physical demands of a title fight at the highest level of the sport.