Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight title with a split decision win over Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 328.
The closely contested bout went to the judges, who awarded Strickland the victory and returned the 185-pound belt to him. The result marked another setback for Chimaev, who had been competing for the middleweight championship.
After the fight, UFC president Dana White said that Khamzat Chimaev was talking about moving up to 205. Strickland, meanwhile, reportedly left UFC 328 with multiple injuries and may be out of action for some time.
Nassourdine Imavov is described as an obvious next challenger for Sean Strickland and has animosity toward him. Before the event, one voice around the rivalry summed it up bluntly: "We’re enemies for life, no matter how the fight goes".
Strickland previously defeated Imavov in their first encounter, while Dricus du Plessis is said to have two wins over Strickland, including a decisive second fight.
Elsewhere in the organization, veteran lightweight Jim Miller holds UFC records for most fights, most wins, and most submission attempts.
