Sean Strickland achieved the unthinkable at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, defeating the previously unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev via split decision to become a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion.

The Main Event: Five Rounds of Grit

In front of a sold-out crowd of 17,783 fans at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Strickland weathered an early storm to hand Chimaev his first-ever professional loss.

• Round 1: Chimaev started with his signature dominance, securing a takedown within seconds and controlling Strickland on the mat.
• The Turning Point: Starting in Round 2, Strickland’s legendary cardio and defensive boxing took over. He stuffed multiple takedowns and began landing a relentless jab that bloodied Chimaev’s nose.
• The Verdict: Despite a late takedown from Chimaev in the fourth, Strickland finished the stronger fighter in the fifth. Two judges scored the bout 48-47 for Strickland, while one saw it 48-47 for Chimaev.

Co-Main & Notable Results

• Flyweight Title: Joshua Van successfully defended his flyweight crown, stopping Tatsuro Taira via TKO at 1:32 of the fifth round after a technical boxing masterclass.
• Heavyweight Action: Alexander Volkov outpointed Waldo Cortes-Acosta via unanimous decision and immediately called for a heavyweight title shot.
• Quick Finish: King Green stole the early show, submitting veteran Jeremy Stephens with a rear-naked choke in the very first round.

A Classy Conclusion

Despite a toxic buildup involving heavy trash talk, the two fighters showed immense respect post-fight. Chimaev personally helped place the belt around Strickland’s waist in an “awesome display of sportsmanship”.