Strickland shocks Chimaev to re-capture UFC middleweight championship

Sean Strickland is back on top of the UFC middleweight division.

Strickland shockingly beat Khamzat Chimaev by split decision to win the UFC middleweight championship on Saturday at UFC 328.

The win begins the second middleweight title reign of Strickland’s career. He previously held the belt from Sep. 9, 2023, until Jan. 20, 2024, after he upset Israel Adesanya.

Saturday’s loss is the first of Chimaev’s MMA career, moving his record to 15-1. Chimaev loses his title in his first defence after beating Dricus Du Plessis for the championship in August 2025 at UFC 319.

Du Plessis ended Strickland’s first title reign.

Saturday was Strickland’s second fight back after a year away from the octagon. He earned the title opportunity by knocking out Anthony Hernandez back in February.

Strickland’s professional record is now 31-7.