Chimaev's face shown after Strickland fight at UFC 328

Photos released in the days following UFC 328 offer a stark look at the physical damage Khamzat Chimaev absorbed during his middleweight showdown with Sean Strickland on May 9, 2026. The images, circulated publicly after the event, underscore just how brutal the contest proved to be for the unheralded contender.

Chimaev, known as "Borz," entered the fight ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth pound-for-pound, carrying a 15-1-0 record and a reputation as one of the sport's most physically imposing forces. The 30-year-old representing the UAE and training out of Allstars Training Center stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach and has built his career on relentless grappling, averaging an extraordinary 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a 60 percent accuracy rate.

Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, showed once again why his volume striking presents a uniquely dangerous challenge. "Tarzan" carries a 31-7-0 record and throws at a pace of 6.04 significant strikes per minute, maintaining that output across championship rounds. The 35-year-old from the United States, who trains at Xtreme Couture, stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and has long been recognized as one of the division's most durable and relentless pressure fighters.

Why it matters

• The visible damage on Chimaev signals Strickland's striking output took a significant toll, regardless of the result
• A competitive exchange between the champion and the division's top-ranked contender has immediate implications for the middleweight title picture
• The stylistic contrast between Chimaev's elite wrestling and Strickland's high-volume boxing made this one of the most anticipated matchups in the division's recent history