Sean Strickland became a two-time UFC Middleweight champion by defeating Khamzat Chimaev via split decision on May 10, 2026 [1, 2].

The result shifts the landscape of the middleweight division by returning the title to Strickland and ending Chimaev's momentum. The contested nature of the decision has sparked immediate debate regarding the scoring of the bout.

UFC CEO Dana White addressed the outcome during a post-fight press conference, which was joined by both Strickland and Chimaev [1, 3]. White said the contest was a "razor-close fight" [1]. The tension of the match was reflected in the scoring, as the scorecards were 2-2 going into the final round [1].

Despite the split decision, the victory cements Strickland's position at the top of the weight class. The press conference featured what reports described as a "wild scene" involving the two fighters, and the organization's leadership [3].

White attempted to maintain order during the volatile media session. As the conference concluded, White said, "Be good, guys" [1].

The event, UFC 328, served as the stage for the title clash. While some reports suggested Chimaev reacted poorly to the loss, other accounts focused on the chaotic atmosphere of the subsequent media availability [3].

“"It was a razor-close fight."”

Strickland's victory restores his status as the divisional leader, but the split decision and the 2-2 scoring entering the final round suggest a narrow margin of victory. This result likely sets the stage for a high-demand rematch between Chimaev and Strickland to resolve the dispute over who is the superior fighter in the middleweight category.