Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight title with a razor-close split decision win over previously undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC 328 main event.
Strickland edged Chimaev on the scorecards, with the judges turning in tallies of 48-47, 48-47, and 48-47, two in favor of Strickland and one for Chimaev. All three judges had the fight even after four rounds, scoring Rounds 1 and 4 for Chimaev and Rounds 2 and 3 for Strickland, making the final frame decisive.
With the victory, Strickland became middleweight champion for a second time. Chimaev entered the bout as the favored defending champion but left with the first loss of his career.
According to UFC Stats, Strickland led the striking numbers, outlanding Chimaev 123-98 in significant strikes overall and 118-52 to the head.
Media scores reflected just how tight the contest was. On MMA Decisions, 11 media members scored the fight for Strickland, while 13 had it for Chimaev.
