Scorecards! Pivotal 5th round earns Sean Strickland split decision win over Khamzat Chimaev

All three judges had round 1 for Chimaev, unsurprising given the Chechen’s wrestling domination. He kept Strickland on the ground and attacked with numerous choke attempts. When Strickland finally got back to his feet, Chimaev picked him up and dumped him back on the ground.

In round 2, Strickland turned the tables on Chimaev, stuffing a takedown and shoving “Borz” onto his back. Strickland would hold top control for minutes, and would later stuff another takedown that led to Chimaev flopping on his back and offering up guard. All three judges had round 2 for Strickland.

Round 3 also went to Strickland after Chimaev abandoned takedown attempts and engaged on the feet. Strickland spent the round hitting Chimaev with his jab while Chimaev tried to keep up in volume. While he managed to bloody Strickland’s nose, the judges saw Strickland’s workrate as superior. All three had the round for Strickland.

Round 4 went back to Chimaev on all three judges’ scorecards. The two spent the majority of their round on the feet where Strickland’s one note striking started to pale in comparison to Chimaev’s more varied attack. At the end of the round, Chimaev took Strickland down and controlled him to finish things, earning himself the a point.

Round 5 was the split round with two judges awarding to Strickland and one to Chimaev. The defining moments boil down to Chimaev’s attempted takedowns and Strickland’s ability to either defend or get back up immediately after. With the fight once again taking place on the feet, Strickland started mixing in a follow-up right hand to his jabs, which landed repeatedly. While Chimaev did his best to answer punch for punch, Strickland has made his career on volume and simply landed more.

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