The mixed martial arts community is buzzing after Sean Strickland’s impressive performance at UFC 328, where he successfully reclaimed the middleweight championship by defeating Khamzat Chimaev via split decision.

The championship bout saw an interesting dynamic, with Chimaev initially dominating on the ground in the first round. However, Strickland, nicknamed “Tarzan,” managed to shift the momentum in the second round. The subsequent rounds featured a striking battle, with Chimaev largely abandoning his wrestling advantage. Both fighters showcased resilience, with Chimaev meticulously picking apart Strickland, while Strickland countered effectively with his jab until the very end of the 25-minute war.

Ultimately, after a closely contested five rounds, the judges’ scorecards favored Strickland, crowning him a two-time UFC middleweight champion.

The MMA world has been vocal in their reactions. Former champion Henry Cejudo offered his scorecard analysis, stating Strickland’s performance merited the win. Kamaru Usman expressed surprise with a cryptic emoji response to the decision, while Gilbert Burns and Sean O’Malley celebrated the upset with congratulatory messages. Derek Brunson speculated on Chimaev’s future based on his post-fight demeanor. Other notable figures like Ariel Helwani and Michael Chiesa also weighed in, acknowledging the fight’s closeness and Strickland’s earned victory.

MMA Community Reacts to Strickland’s Championship Victory

Various fighters and analysts took to social media to share their thoughts on Sean Strickland’s triumph:

“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.” – Henry Cejudo

“Wow that decision 🤷🏿‍♂️👊🏿”

– Kamaru Usman

“And new 🤯🤯🤯 congrats @SStricklandMMA”

– Gilbert Burns

“Holy sh*t !!! Wow and new”

– Sean O’Malley

“Khamzat Chimaev’s post-fight body language says we might not see him for a while, or if ever again! #UFC328”

– Derek Brunson

“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

“Sean Strickland does it again. Unbelievable.”

– Ariel Helwani

“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

English Translation:

MMA World Erupts as Sean Strickland Dethrones Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

Fans and many in the MMA world have reacted to Sean Strickland’s performance at UFC 328. Strickland dethroned “Borz” earlier tonight by split decision, regaining the middleweight throne.

The bout appeared to be one-sided in Round 1 as the champion amassed significant ground control time. However, in Round 2, “Tarzan” did enough to turn the tide in his favor.

In Rounds 3, 4, and 5, both fighters opted to stand and trade, and “Borz” relied less on his wrestling. Neither fighter rushed for a finish. Chimaev took his time piecing Strickland up, and “Tarzan” gave the champion a hard time with his jab until the final second.

After 25 minutes, Sean Strickland, who was ahead on the scorecards, cruised to a split-decision win to become a two-time UFC middleweight champion.

MMA Community Reacts as Sean Strickland Dethrones Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

The MMA community has erupted with reactions following Sean Strickland’s victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, where Strickland recaptured the middleweight title.

Henry Cejudo shared his assessment on X, 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 👏 #UFC328”

Legendary fighter Kamaru Usman posted: “Wow that decision 🤷🏿‍♂️👊🏿”

Gilbert Burns congratulated Strickland on X: “And new 🤯🤯🤯 congrats @SStricklandMMA”

Former champion Sean O’Malley reacted: “Holy sh*t !!! Wow and new”

Derek Brunson commented: “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:

• THE MMA GURU: “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!”
• Ariel Helwani: “Sean Strickland does it again. Unbelievable.”
• Michael Chiesa: “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”