Overview
- Strickland edged Chimaev by split decision Saturday in Newark, winning 48-47 on two cards against one 48-47 for Chimaev to regain the UFC middleweight belt.
- Chimaev dominated the opening round with takedowns and back control, then faded as Strickland stuffed shots, relied on a steady jab, and swung the fight in the middle frames, with the fifth round proving pivotal on two cards.
- The win ranked as a major betting surprise with Strickland around a +400 underdog, and it marked the first loss of Chimaev’s MMA career.
- In the co-main event, Joshua Van retained the flyweight title by stopping Tatsuro Taira with a fifth‑round TKO after weathering early grappling pressure.
- Rematch chatter followed the close fight, and CBS Sports reported Chimaev told Dana White he plans to leave 185 pounds for light heavyweight, a move that could reorder upcoming matchups at middleweight.