Sean Strickland has defied the odds and shocked the world once again, defeating Khamzat Chimaev via split decision at UFC 328.
Chimaev was as much as a -500 favorite to +375 dog Strickland, but everyone doubted “Tarzan” when he fought Israel Adesanya back in 2023, and Sean left Australia with Izzy’s belt that time. That was a more definitive win against a surprisingly flat “Stylebender,” and you could argue that Chimaev was not the same hungry wolf that terrorized the middleweight division over the past few years. But Strickland negated Chimaev’s wrestling and forced the fight to become a stand-up battle. And in that battle, Strickland edged Chimaev.
Looking at the scorecards, judge Sue Sanidad had it 48-47 for Chimaev while Sal D’Amato and Eric Colon both had it 48-47 for Strickland. The contested round wasn’t the third as some might expect — all three judges awarded that to Strickland — but the fifth. Colon and D’Amato awarded round 5 to Strickland while Sanidad had it for Chimaev.
All three judges had round 1 for Chimaev, unsurprising given the Chechen’s wrestling domination. He kept Strickland on the ground and attacked with numerous choke attempts. When Strickland finally got back to his feet, Chimaev picked him up and dumped him back on the ground.
In round 2, Strickland turned the tables on Chimaev, stuffing a takedown and shoving “Borz” onto his back. Strickland would hold top control for minutes, and would later stuff another takedown that led to Chimaev flopping on his back and offering up guard. All three judges had round 2 for Strickland.
Round 3 also went to Strickland after Chimaev abandoned takedown attempts and engaged on the feet. Strickland spent the round hitting Chimaev with his jab while Chimaev tried to keep up in volume. While he managed to bloody Strickland’s nose, the judges saw Strickland’s workrate as superior. All three had the round for Strickland.
Round 4 went back to Chimaev on all three judges’ scorecards. The two spent the majority of their round on the feet where Strickland’s one note striking started to pale in comparison to Chimaev’s more varied attack. At the end of the round, Chimaev took Strickland down and controlled him to finish things, earning himself the a point.
Round 5 was the split round with two judges awarding to Strickland and one to Chimaev. The defining moments boil down to Chimaev’s attempted takedowns and Strickland’s ability to either defend or get back up immediately after. With the fight once again taking place on the feet, Strickland started mixing in a follow-up right hand to his jabs, which landed repeatedly. While Chimaev did his best to answer punch for punch, Strickland has made his career on volume and simply landed more.
For complete UFC 328 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.