Overview
- Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026 to reclaim the UFC middleweight title, with official stats showing Strickland outlanding Chimaev 123-98 in significant strikes.
- Chimaev’s camp, including his brother Artur and training partner Arman Tsarukyan, said a brutal weight cut left Chimaev nearly unable to continue and materially hurt his performance.
- Former champion Dricus Du Plessis and several observers have rejected the weight-cut explanation and argued Chimaev does not deserve an immediate rematch because he has no successful title defenses.
- Brendan Allen and other insiders counter that the fight was close enough to merit a rematch, and Chimaev has alternated between publicly saying he will move to light heavyweight and asking for an immediate run-back with Strickland.
- The UFC now faces a clear choice that will shape the division: grant Chimaev a rematch, give a title shot to earned contenders such as Nassourdine Imavov, or move Chimaev up in weight, with matchmakers weighing competitive fairness, marketability, and fighter health.