Sean Strickland stuns Khamzat Chimaev to reclaim middleweight belt at UFC 328
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Sean Strickland won the UFC middleweight title by defeating Khamzat Chimaev via split decision, overcoming the undefeated fighter with strong takedown defense and effective striking.
- The fight was marked by intense pre-fight trash talk and a close battle, with Strickland taking rounds two, three, and five on the judges' scorecards to claim the championship.
- Chimaev struggled to make weight and indicated after the fight that he plans to move up from the 185-pound division, a move UFC CEO Dana White called "exciting."
- The event was a significant moment for UFC on Paramount+, drawing attention ahead of the upcoming Freedom 250 card at the White House, which will feature President Donald Trump in attendance.
- In the co-main event, Joshua Van defended his lightweight title with a late knockout over Tatsuro Taira and called out former champion Alexandre Pantoja for a potential rematch.
