Sean Strickland is the talk of combat sports this weekend after the patriotic American became two-time UFC Middleweight Champion following a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC328, as longstanding animosity between the two came to an end at the Prudential Centre in New Jersey.
As expected, Chimaev went for the takedown in a matter of seconds in the first round as he worked for Strickland’s back early on. The Russian fighter dragged Strickland on the ground for much of the first round and eventually managed to get into the mount position momentarily before Strickland escaped.
SHOCKED THE WORLD 🤯@SStricklandMMA defeats Khamzat Chimaev by Split-Decision to become the NEW middleweight champion of the world!
— UFC (@ufc) May 10, 2026
[ B2YB @HSpecialSurgery ] pic.twitter.com/eIfkTv334n
While the second-round started with the two exchanging punches, Chimaev attempted two takedowns that was stuffed by Strickland, much to the amazement of the supporters in the arena. Visibly tired, Chimaev battled to get the better of Strickland despite the former not landing many of his strikes.
Chimaev abandoned all take downs in the third as the two engaged in a jab battle throughout the five minutes. With Strickland bloodied on his feet, the American veteran ended the round the happier of the two with Chimaev breathing heavily.
It was in the fourth where Chimaev backed Strickland against the cage before securing a takedown late in the round following an exchange of overhand rights between the two fighters.
It was in the fifth round where Strickland showcased his world-class stamina by returning to his feet immediately after an early takedown. Then in a moment that shocked fans, Strickland nearly secured a takedown himself against the much superior grappler.
However, with both fighters back on their feet, Strickland continued to land punches, most of which were crisp jabs before they let their hands go with around 40 seconds left on the clock.
The moment @SStricklandMMA regained the UFC middleweight title at #UFC328! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/flst5hrnU6
— UFC (@ufc) May 10, 2026
Speaking directly after the fight, Strickland took the time to apologise fight fans for his brash behaviour leading up to the fight where he reserved harsh criticisms toward Chimaev. The American went on to give the outgoing champion his flowers before expressing that he wants to be a better ‘example’ in combat sports.
"I just want to apologise to my American fans, my muslim fans and my Christian fans," Strickland said in his post-fight interview.
"I went too f––-ing hard. I'll admit it. I respect all you guys...
"[Chimaev's] a f––ing savage. I should be a better example, but I try to sell these fights for you f–-ers."
In the co-main event, Joshua Van remained the UFC Flyweight champion following a dramatic fifth-round stoppage over Tatsuro Taira in what was one of the most exciting fights of the night.
Taira gained the upperhand over Van throughout the fight, as he placed his opponent on the canvas on numerous occasions. Van on the other hand landed significant strikes in the later rounds before connecting a vicious body shot in the fifth that stumbled Taira as he closed the fight with a series of punches.
Elsewhere, Sean Brady recorded a dominant win over the popular Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision across three rounds. Brady controlled the fight on the ground and managed to take the fight to the ground in all three rounds with Buckley having no answer to the onslaught.
UFC328 Main Card results:
Sean Strickland defeats Khamzat Chimaev by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
Joshua Van defeated Tatsuro Taira by TKO (strikes) at 1:32 of Round 5
Alexander Volkov defeated Waldo Cortes Acosta by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Sean Brady defeated Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)
King Green defeated Jeremy Stephens by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:20 of Round 1