Sean Strickland weathered the storm and reclaimed the throne.
After surviving relentless early grappling pressure from Khamzat Chimaev, Strickland rallied behind his jab, composure, and durability to edge out a hard-fought decision and become a two-time UFC middleweight champion at UFC 328 on Saturday night.
Round 1 – Chimaev opened with kicks to the legs and body as Strickland worked out of his Philly shell defense, but it didn’t take long for the champion to close the distance and secure a quick takedown.
From there, Chimaev looked to lace the legs. Strickland briefly got to a knee, but Chimaev stayed glued to him, dragging him back down and taking full back control with just under four minutes remaining in the round.
Strickland managed to work his way to his feet, but Chimaev maintained the position and returned him to the canvas. Despite repeated efforts to stand, Strickland couldn’t shake the champion off his back.
Chimaev briefly advanced to full mount, but Strickland again fought his way upright and to the fence, only for Chimaev to lift, slam him back down, and regain back control.
With under 20 seconds left, Chimaev locked in a rear-naked choke attempt, but Strickland survived the submission to make it to the end of the round.
Chimaev landed a solid jab but was met with a clean right hand from Strickland. He then shot in for a takedown, but the sequence flipped, leaving Strickland on top while Chimaev settled into full guard, even flashing a smile from his back.
Strickland looked to posture up and land damage, but Chimaev tied up his arms effectively to limit the offense. Eventually, Strickland chose to bring the fight back to the feet, where he landed another big right hand. Chimaev shot again, but the attempt was stuffed.
Strickland continued to capitalize, landing a couple of shots from top position before advancing to side control, where he maintained control through the remainder of the round.
Round 3 – Chimaev came out to the center, landing a jab and a right hand on Strickland. He followed with a series of heavy, somewhat wild shots, but Strickland saw them coming and defended effectively.
Strickland’s jab continued to find its mark, keeping Chimaev at bay and forcing the champion into uncomfortable exchanges. More than two minutes into the round, Chimaev had yet to attempt a takedown, opting instead to stand and trade, possibly conserving energy rather than engaging in extended grappling.
Strickland leaned on his trademark approach, using the jab to set up his offense while relying on his Philly shell defense. Late in the round, Chimaev appeared to find a second wind, beginning to land more effectively as his striking started to come together.
Round 4 – Chimaev applied steady pressure, working behind his jab and following with right hooks as Strickland continued to rely on his own jab. The exchanges were competitive, with both men finding moments of success.
A big right hand from Chimaev forced Strickland onto the back foot, and the champion followed it up with consistent body work that began to wear on him. Chimaev grew more aggressive, throwing 1-2s, though at times overextending and leaving himself open for Strickland’s counter right hooks.
Strickland repeatedly wiped at a bloodied nose, which appeared to be bothering him. Between rounds, his corner advised him not to blow his nose, suggesting a possible break.
Chimaev continued targeting the body and started to regain momentum. With under a minute remaining, he shot in, secured a takedown, and quickly took the back, though Strickland was already working his way to his feet.
As the round ended, Chimaev turned, smiled, gave Strickland a fist bump, and walked calmly back to his corner.
Round 5 – They met in the center, and after a brief exchange, Chimaev shot in for a takedown following a comment from Strickland. Strickland worked back to his feet, but Chimaev stayed attached, pressing him to the fence and dragging him down again. Strickland nearly reversed the position, but Chimaev maintained control.
Strickland eventually created space, pushing Chimaev off, but was met with a jab on the break.
Chimaev continued to apply pressure, mixing strikes to the head and body while searching for another takedown. He secured one more, but once again, Strickland fought his way back to his feet.
The final 35 seconds turned into a test of will, with both fighters trading heavy shots in close. In the closing moments, they exchanged strikes all the way to the horn, leaving the outcome in the hands of the judges.
The decision went to Sean Strickland, who becomes a two-time UFC middleweight champion.
Official Result: Sean Strickland def. Khamzat Chimaev via Split-Decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48)