Sean Strickland made history at UFC 328 after defeating Khamzat Chimaev to become a two-time middleweight champion. The newly crowned champion earned the belt back after previously losing it at UFC 297. However, a stacked 185-pound division now awaits Strickland after his latest championship victory.
Recently, Strickland discussed plans surrounding his first title defense after reclaiming UFC gold.
Throughout his UFC career, Strickland has trained and sparred with fighters from several divisions and combat disciplines. However, one of his most notable training partners remains former two-division champion Alex Pereira. The two have continued training together since their fight at UFC 276. Their partnership has remained visible throughout several important moments in both fighters' careers.
After the win at UFC 328, Strickland quickly entered discussions regarding his first title defense. One of the biggest contenders remains Nassourdine Imavov, who made clear his interest in fighting the newly crowned champion. Strickland also acknowledged the French contender during the post-fight broadcast. However, he revealed plans to rest while supporting Pereira in his title fight at UFC Freedom 250.
Imavov is next. I'll take a little breather, support my boy Alex Pereira at the White House. Give me a little time, let my broken nose heal and let's get back in there.
Sean Strickland via UFC on ParamountThe partnership between Strickland and Pereira remained visible throughout the buildup toward UFC 328. Strickland also sparred with 'Poatan' at the UFC Performance Institute during fight week before the event. Pereira now appears noticeably bulkier while preparing for his interim heavyweight title fight against Ciryl Gane. The former champion seeks to capture a historic third divisional title at UFC Freedom 250.
Strickland and Pereira now share a relationship often described as a brotherhood in the MMA world. The two once stood on opposite sides of the Octagon at UFC 276, where Pereira knocked out Strickland. However, they soon became close training partners while continuing to help each other in fight camp. The Brazilian superstar also cornered Strickland during his fight against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312.
A fight between Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov appears like a perfect matchup following the events of UFC 328. Imavov currently holds the No. 2 spot in the official UFC middleweight rankings, entering title contention. 'Tarzan' also defeated the French contender during their previous meeting back in January 2023. Now, the division could receive a high-stakes rematch carrying major title implications.
The rivalry between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland before UFC 328 became one of the promotion's most intense feuds. Both fighters exchanged personal insults while tensions escalated throughout the event buildup. The pair also nearly started a brawl during the UFC 328 press conference before security intervened. That situation pushed CEO Dana White to increase security during fight week.
Even before the fight started, a heavy police presence and additional security separated Strickland and Chimaev inside the cage at UFC 328. However, both fighters touched gloves twice before the championship contest officially began. The two also embraced afterward after Strickland handed 'Borz' his first professional MMA loss. Dana White later admitted he expected far more bad blood.
I was ready for the exact opposite.
Dana White via UFC 328 press conferenceI was ready for the exact opposite.
Sean Strickland later explained during the post-fight interview that the beef between him and Khamzat Chimaev was completely squashed after UFC 328. The newly crowned middleweight champion stated that fighters often develop mutual respect after sharing the Octagon together. Their embrace after the championship fight reflected a major shift from the heated buildup leading up to the event.
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