Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision on May 9, 2026, to reclaim the UFC Middleweight Championship [1], [2].

The victory marks a significant shift in the middleweight division by handing Chimaev his first career loss in the UFC [1]. Strickland now joins an elite group of fighters to hold the title on two separate occasions [3].

The bout took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey [1], [4]. A sold-out crowd attended the main event of UFC 328, where Strickland entered as the challenger seeking to recapture the belt he previously held [1], [3].

Chimaev, the defending champion, faced the challenger in a showdown that lasted the full duration of the fight. While Chimaev had maintained an undefeated streak leading into the contest, the judges' scorecards favored Strickland's performance [1], [3].

Strickland's path back to the championship concludes a period of contention aimed at the title [3]. The result establishes Strickland as a two-time middleweight champion [3].

The event saw a conflict in reporting regarding the exact date of the fight, with some sources citing May 10 and others May 9 [1], [2]. However, primary sports reporting from USA Today and Yahoo Sports confirms the event occurred on May 9, 2026 [1], [2].

“Sean Strickland won via split decision”

This result disrupts the perceived trajectory of Khamzat Chimaev, whose undefeated record had made him a dominant force in the UFC. By reclaiming the title, Sean Strickland proves his previous championship run was not an anomaly and re-establishes himself as the premier fighter in the 185-pound division.