Sean Strickland is back on top of the middleweight division after edging Khamzat Chimaev by split decision to become a two-time UFC middleweight champion in the UFC 328 main event.
The title fight headlined UFC 328 on Sat., May 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and left media scorecards divided over who deserved the nod.
UFC CEO Dana White said he saw the bout dead even heading into the final frame. “How I scored the main event was I had it 2-2 going into the last round — and I thought Strickland won the last round,” White said.
White praised the new champion’s style and durability, adding, “Sean has looked great. He has an awkward style, tough to fight. He’s a tough, durable guy that has no quit in him.”
White also commented on Chimaev’s approach and preparation. “What was interesting was that the first two times I saw him fight on Fight Island, he used to talk about his stand-up and his team all the time,” White said, before noting, “So, I was saying we haven’t seen his stand-up and really go toe-to-toe with someone in a while. But I think he had a rough weight cut.”
In the aftermath of UFC 328, White suggested that UFC Paris could potentially host a championship fight, and the possibility of a rematch between Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov was raised.
