NEWARK, N.J. — Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight championship with a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 on Saturday night at the Prudential Center. The judges scored the bout 48-47, 47-48, 49-46 in favor of Strickland.
Strickland, who first won the title in 2023 by defeating Israel Adesanya, lost the belt to Dricus du Plessis in 2024. He earned another title shot after a win over Paulo Costa in 2025. Chimaev, undefeated in the UFC entering the fight, had won his previous bout against Robert Whittaker.
The fight was closely contested, with Strickland's jab and pressure proving effective against Chimaev's grappling and striking. Strickland landed 142 significant strikes to Chimaev's 98, according to UFC stats. After the fight, Strickland called for a rematch with du Plessis.
