
Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 328, showcasing a fierce rivalry. The fight took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
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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.
Sean Strickland won the fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328.
UFC 328 was held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
The rivalry escalated after a chaotic pre-fight press conference where Chimaev attempted to kick Strickland.
Chimaev initially controlled the fight with takedowns, but Strickland later gained top position and landed significant strikes.


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Chimaev landed his jab early in the fourth. He pressured Strickland while continuing to target the body. Chimaev connected with a clean right hand. Strickland's jab was his best weapon. Strickland connected with a left. Chimaev answered with a right. Chimaev began mixing in leg kicks. Chimaev changed levels and took Strickland down with just under a minute on the clock. Strickland got to a knee and worked to stand. Chimaev delivered left hands to the body. Strickland stood at the bell. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Chimaev.
They both took the center of the cage to start the final frame. Chimaev immediately secured a takedown. Strickland got to his feet quickly but Chimaev kept the pressure on along the cage. They battled for position before separating. Strickland went back to working his jab. Strickland connected with a right hand. Chimaev inched forward. Chimaev found a home with a right hand. Chimaev looked for a takedown with 80 seconds remaining. He briefly got it but Strickland battled back to his feet. They separated in the closing seconds. Strickland. landed a right hand. Chimaev responded with a big right hand. It went they distance.
The judges scored the fight for Strickland via split decision. The scorecards read 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47.