'Wow that decision': Fighters react to Sean Strickland's stunning upset of Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

Sean Strickland did the impossible. Twice.

For the second time in three years, Strickland waltzed into a UFC title fight as a massive underdog and waltzed out of the cage with the middleweight title around his waist. In 2023, Israel Adesanya was the dominant champion who Strickland toppled in a result few saw coming, and on Saturday night at UFC 328, it was Khamzat Chimaev’s turn to suffer the wrath of the division’s ultimate spoiler.

Using a mix of his relentless Philly Shell-esque striking and a masterful command of defensive wrestling, Strickland eked out a split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) to hand Chimaev the first defeat of the Chechen’s otherwise flawless MMA career.

Not surprisingly, given how competitive the back-and-forth affair was, Strickland’s fellow fighters were split on UFC 328’s result, with some singing Strickland’s praises and others casting doubt on the judges’ decision. Two of middleweight’s top contenders, Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, also wasted little time calling for their first shots at the belt.

Check out reaction to Strickland vs. Chimaev below.

Man what a fight!! I think it’s gonna go 3-2 Strickland but could see either way

— Funky 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@Benaskren) May 10, 2026

This wolf is a 🐩 poodle . Give me him asap

— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) May 10, 2026

Just wonder what happened to Khamzat there in rd 2 just falling to his back like demian maia in there. Weight cut? Too much emotion?

— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) May 10, 2026

3-2 STRICKLAND!!!

AND NEW!!!