Strickland shocks Chimaev, reclaims middleweight crown

Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision in the UFC 328 main event in Newark, reclaiming the middleweight title he previously lost. The result was close enough that the judges split the scorecards, underscoring how competitive the five-round fight was. Strickland’s jab, pacing, and takedown defense proved decisive, while Chimaev struggled to secure sustained control. The outcome reshapes the middleweight title picture immediately and sets up fresh matchmaking questions for the division’s top contenders.