SouthernWorldwide.com – Sean Strickland displayed remarkable resilience and determination, ultimately securing a significant upset victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey. The win reclaimed the UFC middleweight championship for Strickland, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
Chimaev, who had maintained an undefeated record throughout his 16-fight UFC tenure, entered the co-main event of UFC 328 as the clear favorite. However, after five intensely contested rounds, Strickland was declared the victor by split decision. In the post-fight press conference, Strickland revealed the extent of his physical challenges leading up to the bout.
Following the presentation of the championship belt by Chimaev, Strickland disclosed that he had sustained a shoulder injury during sparring earlier in the week.
“Funny story – on Tuesday, I’m sparring Johnny [Eblen], that motherf—–, PFL champ. I’m at Plinio Cruz’s gym. He shoots on me, and I hit his bricka—wall, and I separate my shoulder,” Strickland recounted to reporters. “So, I had a grade one AC joint separation on Tuesday. I remember lying in bed on Tuesday night, and I can’t lie on my right side. I’m like, ‘You’re such a f—ing idiot. You’re such a f—ing idiot.”
Strickland further explained that his pre-fight warm-up routine in the locker room was significantly altered due to his injury. He refrained from his usual preparations, fearing further aggravation of his shoulder. This was a particularly concerning complication given Chimaev’s established wrestling prowess, a discipline he has consistently utilized to dominate opponents in the UFC.
Chimaev’s wrestling ability was immediately evident in the first round, as he successfully took Strickland down to the canvas just 15 seconds into the fight. This early dominance aligned with the expectations many had for Chimaev’s performance at the Prudential Center.
However, Strickland managed to shift the momentum in the second round, maintaining his footing and successfully landing strikes. The fight then evolved into a striking battle, with both fighters exchanging blows. A notable and somewhat unusual moment occurred in the fifth round.
With both fighters visibly bloodied, Strickland recounted that Chimaev gestured towards the mat near the end of the round. This gesture is often interpreted as a signal to engage in a striking exchange, a “dance” for the crowd. Typically, there’s an unspoken honor code associated with such moments, focusing solely on punches to entertain the audience.
“He pointed at the mat and said, ‘Let’s give the people what they want, let’s have the man dance,’ or some s—. And I was like, ‘OK. I trust you, the guy that just kicked me in the balls yesterday. I trust you, Chimaev. You seem like a real trustworthy guy. I like your smile. We shook hands, I believe you.’
“So, I put my hands up, and he f—ing shoots at me.”
Despite Strickland’s surprise at Chimaev’s subsequent takedown attempt, a mutual respect was evident between the two fighters throughout the match. This was further underscored by Chimaev’s gracious act of passing the championship belt to Strickland after the bout.
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Strickland, 35, is recognized as a polarizing figure within the UFC. Nevertheless, he received fervent support from the crowd, who repeatedly chanted “U-S-A!” particularly after his championship victory was announced.
