The mixed martial arts community is buzzing following Sean Strickland’s triumphant performance at UFC 328, where he recaptured the middleweight championship by defeating Khamzat Chimaev via split decision.
The highly anticipated bout saw an intriguing strategic battle. While Chimaev initially dominated the first round with significant ground control time, Strickland, known as “Tarzan,” mounted a strong comeback in the second round. The subsequent rounds featured a striking-heavy approach from both fighters, with Chimaev seemingly deviating from his wrestling-focused game plan. Neither fighter spared any effort in their pursuit of victory, with Chimaev methodically working to dismantle Strickland, who countered effectively with his persistent jab until the very end of the fight.
After a grueling five rounds, the judges’ scorecards favored Sean Strickland, who was ahead on points, ultimately awarding him a split-decision victory and making him a two-time UFC middleweight champion.
The MMA world has been quick to share their reactions to this significant upset. Former champion Henry Cejudo expressed his approval of Strickland’s performance, stating, “What a performance by Strickland and an amazing fight. 48-47 Sean was the correct score. Had it tied going into the final round and Strickland did enough to pull off the final round.”
Kamaru Usman offered a more reserved, yet intriguing, take on the decision, posting a simple “Wow that decision 🤷🏿♂️👊🏿”. Gilbert Burns also weighed in, congratulating Strickland with a series of “And new 🤯🤯🤯” emojis. Sean O’Malley was equally surprised, exclaiming, “Holy sh*t !!! Wow and new”.
Derek Brunson speculated on Chimaev’s future, noting, “Khamzat Chimaev’s post-fight body language says we might not see him for a while, or if ever again!” Others, like “THE MMA GURU,” celebrated Strickland’s victory as a significant achievement, highlighting his success against formidable opponents. Ariel Helwani simply stated, “Sean Strickland does it again. Unbelievable.” Michael Chiesa praised Strickland’s effort, commenting, “Holy shit!!! Sean pulled it off. That was a coin flip fight, it came down to the wire and in the end, I believe it was Sean’s volume that won him the fight. There’s nothing controversial about the result, Sean earned it.”
MMA World Reacts as Sean Strickland Dethrones Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328
The MMA community erupted with astonishment and admiration following Sean Strickland’s masterful performance at UFC 328. Strickland, in a remarkable display of resilience and skill, managed to dethrone Khamzat Chimaev by split decision, reclaiming the UFC middleweight championship.
The fight itself was a tactical chess match. While Chimaev established dominance in the opening round with extensive ground control, Strickland, affectionately known as “Tarzan,” shifted the momentum significantly in the second round. The latter half of the bout saw both fighters engage in a spirited striking exchange, with Chimaev appearing to rely less on his formidable wrestling. Neither fighter shied away from the opportunity to finish, as Chimaev worked to systematically break down Strickland, who consistently landed his effective jab until the final bell.
After 25 minutes of intense action, the judges’ scorecards ultimately favored Strickland, who was ahead on points, securing his second reign as the UFC middleweight champion.
The reverberations of this upset were felt across the MMA landscape. Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo lauded Strickland’s performance, tweeting, “What a performance by Strickland and an amazing fight. 48-47 Sean was the correct score. Had it tied going into the final round and Strickland did enough to pull off the final round 👏 #UFC328.”
Kamaru Usman, a former welterweight champion, offered a terse yet impactful reaction to the decision: “Wow that decision 🤷🏿♂️👊🏿”. Gilbert Burns also congratulated the new champion, posting, “And new 🤯🤯🤯 congrats @SStricklandMMA”. Sean O’Malley, expressing his disbelief, tweeted, “Holy sh*t !!! Wow and new.”
Derek Brunson, another veteran fighter, raised questions about Chimaev’s immediate future, observing, “Khamzat Chimaev’s post fight body language says we might not see him for a while or if ever again! #UFC328”. The sentiment of Strickland’s significant victory was echoed by many, with “THE MMA GURU” celebrating him as a successful last stand against certain dominant forces. Veteran journalist Ariel Helwani simply stated, “Sean Strickland does it again. Unbelievable.” Michael Chiesa provided a detailed breakdown of the fight, remarking, “Holy shit!!! Sean pulled it off. That was a coin flip fight, it came down to the wire and in the end, I believe it was Sean’s volume that won him the fight. There’s nothing controversial about the result, Sean earned it. #UFC328.”