UFC 328: Sean Strickland upsets Khamzat Chimaev to win middleweight title

Shawn Strickland upset Khamjat Chimayev to win by split decision and win the middleweight title at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey.

After surviving the first round on clay, American Strickland fought back to claim an impressive win. Two judges scored it 48-47 in his favor and one chose Chimayev on the same scoreline.

The victory made Strickland, 35, a two-time UFC middleweight champion and handed Russian-Emirati Chimayev the first loss of his 16-fight professional career.

Competition has built up Punctuated by a series of derogatory and racist comments from Strickland, but the pair appeared to match as Chimaev wrapped the belt around the American’s waist to show respect.

“I want to apologize to my American fans, Christian fans and Muslim fans. I hurt a lot, I admit it,” Strickland said.

“I respect all of you. I should be a good example but I try to sell these fights.”

An unhealthy build-up involved both fighters in a bitter verbal back-and-forth.

Strickland was defiant, launching remarks at Chimayev that attacked his religion and traditions.

In response, Chimaev distracted Strickland by commenting on the childhood trauma that the American spoke of in the past.

The UFC employed extra security to protect each fighter during the week of the fight and it was on display when a line of officers separated the pair as they waited for the opening bell to ring in the Octagon.

Despite the animosity, both fighters touched gloves in a sign of respect before the contest, with Chimaev securing a signature before scoring an early takedown.

Just as he defeated Drikas du Plessis to win the title in August, Chimaev controlled the action on the ground, but Strickland had success securing a takedown in the second round.

Fighters struggled to keep up with Chimayev on the feet, but Strickland’s takedown defense forced him to hit, where the American excelled.

As Chimayev moved forward, Strickland continued to pace the contest, consistently using his jab off the back foot to keep his nose in front of the scorecard.