Sean Strickland Reclaims Middleweight Title in Thrilling Split Decision Over Khamzat Chimaev

Strickland defeated Chimaev via split decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48) in the main event of UFC 328 on May 10, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, to reclaim the UFC middleweight championship. The event was attended by a crowd of 17,783.

Fight Summary

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: Chimaev secured a takedown within 15 seconds and maintained control on the ground for over four minutes. He did not land significant strikes or attempt submissions. All three judges scored the round 10-9 for Chimaev.

Round 2: Strickland established striking range, outlanding Chimaev in significant strikes (15-10). He stuffed Chimaev's takedown attempts and ended the round in top position. All three judges scored for Strickland.

Round 3: Both fighters exchanged strikes. Strickland outlanded Chimaev in significant strikes (43-29). Two judges scored for Strickland; one scored for Chimaev.

Round 4: Chimaev landed harder punches and secured a takedown late in the round. Strickland outlanded Chimaev in significant strikes (36-32). Two judges scored for Chimaev; one scored for Strickland.

Round 5: Strickland outlanded Chimaev in significant strikes (31-22). Chimaev secured six takedowns but did not land significant strikes on the ground. Two judges scored for Strickland; one scored for Chimaev.

Statistics

Post-Fight

After the fifth round, Strickland mimed putting the belt around his waist. Chimaev later placed the belt on Strickland inside the octagon.

"I went too hard," Strickland apologized for his prefight comments, stating he used stereotypes to promote the bout.

Chimaev, who lost for the first time in 16 professional fights, stated he wished to move up in weight class.

Pre-Fight Incidents

Security Measures

UFC hired uniformed Morristown police officers to provide additional security for fight week. Strickland stated he had security for previous fights but described this as "the highest security." Chimaev noted Strickland was staying at a different hotel than other fighters. Flyweight contender Tatsuro Taira described the security as "a lot more than usual."

Strickland said: "It's not the first night where I had security. I think I've had a couple fights where I've had security. This is probably the highest security."

Chimaev said: "I don't think it's possible [for Strickland to shoot me] because they don't let me see this guy. So, I don't know where he is. I've been here for three days in the lobby, and the guy said he's gonna shoot me. Let's go. Do that. I will be happy to die."

Press Conference Incident

At the pre-fight press conference on May 8, 2025, Chimaev kicked Strickland during their face-off. The altercation occurred after both fighters exchanged insults. Security personnel, including armed police, intervened. Strickland later posted on social media: "Exactly what I expected a coward to do."

Pre-Fight Statements

Leading up to the fight, Strickland made threats and used derogatory language regarding Chimaev's ethnicity and heritage. Chimaev responded with remarks about Strickland's childhood. Chimaev also released a 30-second clip of a past sparring session, showing himself on the offensive. Both fighters gave differing accounts of that session: Strickland claimed he made Chimaev quit, while Chimaev noted his recent domination of Dricus du Plessis, who holds two wins over Strickland.

Coach's Account

Strickland's head coach Eric Nicksick stated the pre-fight animosity was "100 percent real." He noted that before the fight, the fighters touched gloves, and afterward, Chimaev placed the title belt on Strickland. Nicksick described the post-fight reconciliation as a natural outcome of mutual respect after the bout. He said his team maintained a cordial relationship with Chimaev's team throughout the week, with Chimaev hugging him at the hotel.

Co-Main Event: Joshua Van Retains Flyweight Title

Joshua Van defeated Tatsuro Taira via TKO at 1:32 of round five to retain the UFC flyweight championship. Van dominated with boxing, knocking down Taira in the second round and landing repeated strikes.

The bout was the first UFC title fight contested between two Asian fighters and the first with both competitors born in the 2000s. Van (17-2) has won seven consecutive fights. Taira (18-2) failed in his attempt to become the first Japanese UFC champion.

Other Main Card Results

• Sean Brady defeated Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision
• King Green defeated Jeremy Stephens via submission (choke)
• Alexander Volkov defeated Waldo Cortes-Acosta via unanimous decision

Notable Undercard Bout

Jim Miller defeated Jared Gordon via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:29 of the first round. Miller extended his UFC records for wins (28) and fights (47). This was Miller's first fight in 13 months; his teenage son, Wyatt, was treated for rhabdomyosarcoma and has since been declared cancer-free.