Sean Strickland gave the bell in UFC 328 and defeated the Russian Khamzat Chimaev to become new middleweight champion in a fight that was hot and in which he was able to take advantage of the fact that his rival did not shy away from exchanging blows, a terrain that he dominates: he did not forgive.
It was an extremely even fight, so much so that it had to go until the judges’ split decision, which gave 48-47 and 48-47 in favor of the American fighterwhile only one of them opted for Chimaev, who opened the fight very well, but lacked consistency.
It seemed that Khamzat was going to take advantage of his takedown ability because he opened the fight with a successful one, however, he also knew that he was facing a Strickland who is very careful when they manage to take him to the ground, Therefore, the effort to subdue him was fruitless.
From the second round, Chimaev changed the strategy and entered his rival’s territory, lor damaged by coming to blows, but was also punishedsuffering a couple of impacts with which Strickland gained confidence.
Although Chimaev hit a lot, he also had nine successful takedowns in 13 attempts, although most until the last round when the analysis was already leaning towards Sean, because his blows had been much more significant.
It could have been for anyone
Thinking globally about the fight and with the fifth round already in its final seconds, it seemed that Chimaev – because he was the champion, but also because of what he had already done – was going to retain the belt, not that the decision was controversial, either. although the underdog took it against many of the odds.
The fight closed with a declaration of peace after the clashes and insults that had taken place in the previous one given their history: Khamzat Chimaev placed the belt on Sean Strickland in an act of sportsmanship.
