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 five-round bout for Strickland.
The fight started off like a typical one for Chimaev. He took Strickland down in the first 15 seconds of the opening round, and eventually moved to his back. Strickland barely made it out of the opening round, as he spent nearly the entire time with Chimaev on his back, hunting rear-naked chokes.
The entire direction switched in the second frame, however. Chimaev appeared tired and his takedowns lacked explosiveness. Strickland even moved into top position and won the round with ground-and-pound. Chants of “USA” filled up the New Jersey arena, and Chimaev looked deflated on the stool.
Chimaev, a dominant wrestler, essentially abandoned his ground game after the second round. He walked forward through Strickland’s jab, looking to land his own right hand. He spit blood onto the canvas at various moments in the fourth and fifth, all while continuing to march forward. According to UFC Stats, Strickland out-landed Chimaev in total strikes 163-to-115, although Chimaev’s shots appeared to carry more weight. He went 9-of-13 on total takedowns.
“He may have broke my nose,” Strickland said. “I want to tell you guys, my fans, I f—ing love you guys. I would not be where I am today without you guys. My Christian fans, Muslim fans, white fans, black fans, brown fans.”

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