In a gripping showdown at UFC 328, Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC Middleweight Championship by defeating Khamzat Chimaev through a split decision on Saturday night. The event took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, attracting a crowd of 17,783 fans.
Fight Breakdown
Strickland won the title with a score of 48-47 on two judges’ scorecards, while Chimaev managed to secure one judge’s favor, also at 48-47. This victory marks Strickland’s second reign as middleweight champion, a title he initially held from September 9, 2023, to January 20, 2024.
- Event: UFC 328
- Date: [Insert Date]
- Location: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
- Crowd: 17,783
Unbeaten Streak Broken
Chimaev’s loss is his first in mixed martial arts, bringing his record to 15-1. He lost the title in his first defense, having previously captured the championship from Driscus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August 2025. Strickland expressed his disbelief as he mimed putting the championship belt around his waist post-fight, a gesture echoed by Chimaev handing him the belt inside the cage.
Co-Main Event Highlights
In the co-main event, Joshua Van successfully defended his flyweight title against Tatsuro Taira in a historic matchup, being the first title fight between two Asian fighters in UFC history. Van dominated the bout, finishing Taira by stoppage in the fifth round at 1:32.
- Van’s Record: 17-2
- Taira’s Record: 18-2
- Significance: First UFC title fight between fighters born in the 2000s
Other Noteworthy Fights
The main card also featured several significant battles:
- Sean Brady defeated Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision.
- King Green submitted Jeremy Stephens.
- Alexander Volkov won against Waldo Cortes-Acosta by unanimous decision.
Jim Miller’s Inspiring Return
On the undercard, Jim Miller celebrated a personal milestone. The 42-year-old fighter won via submission against Jared Gordon, marking his first fight since his son overcame a rare form of childhood cancer. Miller achieved this victory with a rear-naked choke at 3:29 of the first round.
- Miller’s Career Achievements:
- 28 wins in 47 UFC fights
- 20 finishes, the second-most in UFC history
Miller dedicated the fight to his son, Wyatt, a 14-year-old who recently fought rhabdomyosarcoma. He expressed gratitude for Wyatt’s recovery, underscoring the personal significance of his return to the octagon.
Conclusion
UFC 328 proved to be a memorable event with Strickland stunning Chimaev, thereby reclaiming the UFC Middleweight title. The night’s emotional undercurrents resonated deeply, making it a remarkable chapter in UFC history.
