The mixed martial arts community is buzzing following Sean Strickland’s dominant performance at UFC 328, where he successfully reclaimed the middleweight championship by defeating Khamzat Chimaev via split decision.
The fight initially appeared to favor the champion, Khamzat Chimaev, in the first round with significant ground control time. However, Strickland, nicknamed “Tarzan,” turned the tide in the second round with a strong showing.
The remaining rounds saw both fighters engage in striking exchanges, with Chimaev opting for less wrestling and Strickland utilizing his jab effectively throughout the bout.
After a hard-fought 25 minutes, Sean Strickland was awarded the split-decision victory, marking his return as a two-time UFC middleweight champion.
MMA World Reacts to Strickland’s Championship Victory
Prominent figures in the MMA world shared their reactions to the electrifying fight:
Henry Cejudo shared his scoring: “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 expressed his surprise at the decision: “Wow that decision 🤷🏿♂️👊🏿”
Gilbert Burns congratulated the new champion: “And new 🤯🤯🤯 congrats @SStricklandMMA”
Former champion Sean O’Malley exclaimed: “Holy sh*t !!! Wow and new”
Derek Brunson speculated on Chimaev’s future: “Khamzat Chimaev’s post fight body language says we might not see him for a while, or if ever again! #UFC328”
Other notable reactions included:
“HE DID IT! OUR BOY SEAN STRICKLAND ACTUALLY DID IT! I CANNOT BELIEVE I GET TO EXIST IN THIS REALITY! #UFC328 STRICKLAND WAS THE LAST STAND AGAINST THE CAUCASIANS! O’MALLEY FAILED, VOLKANOVSKI FAILED, JDM FAILED, DDP FAILED, MCGREGOR FAILED, POIRIER FAILED BUT NOT STRICKLAND!”
— THE MMA GURU (@THATBOYMMAGURU)
“Sean Strickland does it again. Unbelievable.”
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani)
“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”
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22)
“Congratulations USA, you have Khabib #UFC328”
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA)
