Strickland stuns rival Chimaev for UFC's middleweight title - ESPN

NEWARK, N.J. — Less than three years after a shocking upset win for the UFC's middleweight championship, Sean Strickland did it again Saturday.

Strickland (31-7) dethroned the previously unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev (17-1) in a razor-close split decision at UFC 238 at Prudential Center. Two judges scored the five-round contest 48-47 for Strickland, while a third had it 48-47 for Chimaev. With the victory, Strickland reclaimed the 185-pound title he first won in September 2023, by upsetting Israel Adesanya in Sydney.

The buildup to the fight was frequently ugly, as Strickland referred to Chimaev as a «coward» and a «dog.» The animosity stemmed from a training incident between the two in 2022, in which Strickland accused Chimaev of «bullying» smaller, less experienced fighters at Strickland's home gym in Las Vegas. Chimaev kicked Strickland during a promotional stare down Thursday. The UFC beefed up security as a result, including a regular police presence and separate hotels for the fighters.

The fighters showed mutual respect during and after the bout, however, with Chimaev even wrapping the belt around Strickland.

«I want to apologize,» Strickland said. «I went too hard. I'll admit it. I respect all you guys [from Chimaev's native Chechnya]. He's a f---ing savage. I try to sell these fights for you f---ers. I appreciate you.»

Chimaev left the Octagon immediately after congratulating Strickland. He appeared frustrated on his way out of the arena, removing his gloves and throwing them into the crowd. Chimaev struggled to make 185 pounds at Friday's official weigh-in, and UFC CEO Dana White revealed at the news conference that Chimaev told him he wishes to move up to 205 pounds in his next bout. White also said he scored the