Sean Strickland has once again claimed the UFC middleweight championship, securing a narrow split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey. The win marks Strickland's return to the top of the division, just over two years after he first held the title. The fight, contested at the Prudential Center on Saturday, saw judges score the bout 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47 in favor of Strickland. Strickland's effective striking and stout takedown defense proved decisive, managing to stifle Chimaev's offense across the rounds. All three judges reportedly awarded Strickland the second and third rounds, with two also scoring the fifth round for the challenger, ultimately clinching the title.
In a display of resilience and tenacity, Joshua Van successfully defended his men's flyweight title against Tatsuro Taira in the co-main event. The bout, widely praised as the most exciting of the night, went the distance, with Van ultimately knocking out Taira in the fifth round. Taira, despite appearing to be in significant danger on multiple occasions, absorbed considerable pressure from the champion. Van's left hand landed the decisive blow, ending the contest and solidifying his reign. The Van-Taira matchup was awarded 'Fight of the Night' honors.
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Several other bouts saw decisive outcomes. King Green delivered a dominant performance, submitting Jeremy Stephens in the first round. Sean Brady defeated William Gomis via unanimous decision, while Baisangur Susurkaev also earned a unanimous decision win against Waldo Cortes-Acosta.
The split decision victory for Strickland against Chimaev, who entered the contest with a formidable 15-0 professional record, signifies a significant achievement for the new champion. This win echoes Strickland's earlier upset victory for the middleweight gold, though this time against an opponent many considered even more complete. The implications for Chimaev's future at middleweight remain a topic of discussion.
