Sean Strickland Reclaims UFC Middleweight Title in Razor-Thin Victory Over Khamzat Chimaev

Less than three years after his stunning upset of Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland once again proved he thrives on the big stage. On Saturday at UFC 238 at Prudential Center, Strickland dethroned the previously unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev in a razor-close split decision to reclaim the UFC middleweight championship.

Two judges scored the five-round contest 48-47 in favor of Strickland, while a third had it 48-47 for Chimaev. With the victory, Strickland (31-7) once again etched his name into UFC history, reclaiming the 185-pound title he first captured in September 2023. Despite the fierce action in the cage, the fighters showed mutual respect, with Chimaev even placing the championship belt around Strickland after the fight.

“I want to apologize,” Strickland said post-fight. “I went too hard. I’ll admit it. I respect all you guys [from Chechnya]. He’s a f---ing savage. I try to sell these fights for you f---ers. I appreciate you.”

Chimaev, visibly frustrated, left the Octagon immediately after congratulating Strickland. He removed his gloves and tossed them into the crowd. The unbeaten wrestler struggled to make weight at the official weigh-in on Friday, and UFC president Dana White confirmed that Chimaev has plans to move up to 205 pounds for his next bout. White also revealed that he personally scored the fight for Strickland.

The fight began in familiar fashion for Chimaev. He took Strickland down within the first 15 seconds and dominated much of the opening round, hunting rear-naked chokes from Strickland’s back. Strickland survived the early onslaught, weathering the storm and setting the stage for a dramatic comeback.

The second round saw a dramatic shift. Chimaev appeared fatigued, and his takedowns lost their usual explosiveness. Strickland capitalized, controlling the top position and delivering ground-and-pound that energized the crowd. Chants of “USA” filled the arena as Chimaev seemed deflated on his stool.

Chimaev, known for his dominant wrestling, largely abandoned his ground game in the later rounds, opting instead to march forward in an effort to land powerful strikes. Despite spitting blood onto the canvas, he showed remarkable toughness and continued pressing the action. Statistically, Strickland outlanded Chimaev 163-115 in total strikes, though Chimaev’s shots often carried more weight. He also connected on nine of 13 takedown attempts.

The animosity between the two fighters added fuel to the fire. The feud traces back to a 2022 training incident in Las Vegas, when Strickland accused Chimaev of bullying smaller fighters at his gym. The tension carried into fight week, with Strickland calling Chimaev a “coward” and a “dog,” and Chimaev responding with a kick during their promotional stare-down. Security was heightened, including separate hotels and police presence.

After the victory, Strickland expressed gratitude to his fans. “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,” he said, highlighting his appreciation for the diverse support that has carried him through his career.

Strickland’s victory cements his reputation as one of the UFC’s most formidable middleweights, capable of overcoming both talent and adversity. For Chimaev, the loss may mark the beginning of a new chapter at light heavyweight, but his toughness and resolve were evident throughout the fight. UFC 238 delivered a thrilling showcase of grit, strategy, and perseverance, with Strickland once again proving that in MMA, a razor-thin victory can still make a fighter a champion.