Strickland stuns Chimaev to reclaim UFC middleweight title
PUBLISHED May 10, 2026, 2:09 AM ET
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Newark, New Jersey. Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision in the UFC 328 main event on May 10 at the Prudential Center, reclaiming the UFC middleweight title. The official scorecards read 48-47, 47-48, 48-47 after five rounds in a bout where Strickland repeatedly used jab, movement, and takedown defense to outpoint the champion. The result ended Chimaev’s championship reign that began in August 2025 and marked his first professional loss; Strickland, aged 35, regained the belt as an underdog. Promoters and UFC officials signaled immediate postfight media obligations and rankings adjustments this week, and the outcome will affect upcoming matchmaking and title-defence scheduling in the middleweight division.
By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- August 2025: Khamzat Chimaev wins UFC middleweight title over Dricus du Plessis.
- Early May 2026: Fight-week tensions and public threats escalate ahead of UFC 328.
- May 10, 2026: UFC 328 held at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
- May 10, 2026: Sean Strickland defeats Khamzat Chimaev by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47).
- May 11–12, 2026: Postfight media appearances, rankings updates, and promoter scheduling follow the title change.
News Intelligence
- This title change shakes up the UFC middleweight division. It affects future fights, rankings, and the sports betting landscape. If you're a fan, keep an eye on the official UFC rankings this week.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 1
- Neutral:
- 5
- Distribution:
- Left 17%, Center 83%, Right 0%
Sean Strickland regained the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328, increasing his championship status, potential earnings, sponsorship visibility, and promotional leverage immediately following the May 10 victory in Newark.
Khamzat Chimaev lost the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328 on May 10 and recorded his first professional defeat, ending the championship reign he began in August 2025.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Sean Strickland stuns Khamzat Chimaev to win middleweight gold at UFC 328
The New York TimesFrom Center
Strickland stuns Chimaev to reclaim UFC middleweight title
TASS The Star CBS Sports Cageside Press Cageside PressFrom Right
No right-leaning sources found for this story.
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