Sean Strickland shocked the MMA world after ending Khamzat Chimaev's undefeated record at UFC 328. The newly crowned champion delivered a technical performance across five rounds at the Prudential Center.
Strickland became a two-time UFC middleweight champion while securing another massive upset victory. Despite years of hostility, both fighters shared a respectful embrace following their title fight.
The fight began with heavy security separating both fighters during Bruce Buffer's introductions. Surprisingly, Strickland and Chimaev touched gloves twice before the opening bell despite their heated rivalry. Both fighters measured distance early before Chimaev secured a takedown within the opening minutes. 'Borz' kept the top position throughout the round and also nearly secured a choke.
Round two saw Strickland fire his jab while holding center against Chimaev's pressure. The Chechen star kept inching forward, looking for takedowns. When the shot came, Strickland defended and reversed position to put Chimaev on his back. 'Tarzan' let him stand, then returned to striking with sharp punches. He shut down another attempt and controlled exchanges with steady ground strikes and little resistance.
Rounds three and four were mostly contested on the feet with extended striking exchanges. Chimaev regained momentum in round three, mixing his offense and landing straight rights and hooks while pressing forward. Strickland relied on his jab and defense, also opening cuts on Chimaev's face. The fourth round stayed competitive, but Chimaev finished on top with ground control in dominant position.
Round five became the deciding round as Strickland used his left hand to outpoint Chimaev. He kept landing clean jabs while controlling the pace as 'Borz' slowed late. That consistency helped him edge the round and secure a split-decision victory (48-47, 48-47, 47-48). After the result, the Chechen star wrapped his belt around his opponent and embraced Strickland and his team in the middle of the Octagon.
The post-fight exchange was surprising given the tension between Chimaev and Strickland since their time as training partners at Xtreme Couture. Their rivalry escalated during fight week, including a near-brawl at the press conference, and security stepped in. Tension also spilled into face-offs, where Chimaev landed an oblique kick on Strickland. Despite all that, both fighters showed respect after the bout.
Sean Strickland's victory cemented his status as a future UFC Hall of Famer with two landmark title wins. He previously defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 to capture his first middleweight championship. After the fight, 'Tarzan' was joined inside the Octagon by his wife following their recent wedding. The newly crowned champion now awaits a stacked middleweight division, with his future yet to be decided.
Sean Strickland remains one of the most controversial figures in MMA, often making headlines for his outspoken personality. This was in full flow ahead of UFC 328 as he entered fight week under an intense spotlight. Strickland repeatedly called out Khamzat Chimaev while making derogatory remarks in interviews and media appearances. He also went on an expletive-filled rant, claiming 'Borz' missed weight.
However, Strickland has often described himself as a showman who says what is needed to promote fights. Ahead of UFC 328, UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev also suggested Strickland was not as polarizing in real life as his public persona suggests. After winning the title, Strickland apologized to fans worldwide for his earlier comments and showed respect to Chimaev and Chechen fighters.
I just want to apologize to my American fans, to my Muslim fans, and Christian fans. I went too hard, I admit it. I respect all of you guys… I should be a better example. I try to sell these fights for you guys. I appreciate you.
Sean Strickland via UFC 328 post fight press conferenceSean Strickland via UFC 328 post fight press conferenceKnown across the MMA world for his sharp mic skills and polarizing trash talk, he typically leans into controversy rather than reflection. However, the newly crowned champion appeared more composed and measured in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. The shift in tone after UFC 328 highlighted a rarely seen side of Sean Strickland, especially in contrast to his usual fight-week persona
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