Sean Strickland defeats Khamzat Chimaev in UFC 328 main event

The first time middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland came face-to-face during UFC 328 fight week chaos ensued. During the pre-fight press conference face-offs, Chimaev tried to kick Strickland in the groin and security had to separate the two.

They used to train together but their relationship deteriorated into one of the biggest and most intense rivalries in the promotion's history. On Saturday, the two headlined the UFC 328 fight card at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey in a legitimate grudge match. Surpisingly, the two touched gloves twice during introductions.

Chimaev landed a kick to the body to start the fight. He pressed forward and easily took Strickland down. Strickland worked to stand. Chimaev stayed on him and drug him back to the canvas. Chimaev took Strickland's back. Strickland rolled and got to a knee. Chimaev took Strickland's back standing. Strickland dropped to the canvas. Chimaev wasn't inflicting damage but controlled position. Midway through the round, Strickland scrambled. Chimaev maintained control. He moved to the mount . Strickland rolled and was able to stand. Chimaev slammed him back to the canvas. Chimaev took Strickland's back. He worked for a rear-naked choke but Strickland defended the submission attempt. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Chimaev.

Strickland landed a right hand. Chimaev went to the body with a punch. Chimaev continued to target the body. Strickland connected with a counter right. They exchanged jabs and Strickland solowedup with a right. Chimaev changed levels and Strickland defended the takedown. Strickland gained top position. Chimaev avoided damage and Strickland stood. Strickland landed a right hand. He stuffed a takedown attempt. Strickland had top position. Strickland was unable to do damage but won the round. MMAWeekly scored the frame 10-9 for Strickland.

Chimaev inched forward to start the third. They exchanged jabs. Chimaev went to the body with a kick. He continued to target the body of Strickland. Strickland's jab began landing more often. Chimaev kept pressing forward. Strickland met him with a right. hand. Chimaev's jab came to life. Strickland began bleeding out of his nose. Chimaev connected with a right hand. It was a close round. MMAWeekly scored it 10-9 for Chimaev with output and forward pressure.