Story perspectives

Chimaev Defends Title vs Strickland at UFC 328

4/26/2026

Summary

Chimaev Defends Title

UFC 328 sees Khamzat Chimaev defend his title against Sean Strickland on May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark.
Joe Rogan noted that Chimaev’s 55 percent takedown accuracy versus Strickland’s 76 percent defense could keep the fight standing because of Strickland’s jab-heavy style.
Entering the bout with a 15-0 record after beating Dricus Du Plessis, Chimaev faced his only grappler Kamaru Usman, who won the third round of their UFC 294 fight in October 2023.

Summary

Chimaev Captures Title

Khamzat Chimaev captured the UFC middleweight championship at 185 pounds, extending his unbeaten run.
His move from welterweight to middleweight creates a rare cross-division title in UFC history.
Sean Strickland’s contested win over Dricus Du Plessis showed he can rise after takedowns and neutralize ground attacks.
Beneil Dariush said Strickland spends extensive time wrestling in Las Vegas to improve takedown defense and get-ups.

History

Historical Context

Randy Couture became the UFC’s first two-division champion in 2003 when he captured the light-heavyweight belt after winning heavyweight in 1997, and Conor McGregor later set the simultaneous-title precedent in 2016. Building on that legacy, Khamzat Chimaev is shifting from welterweight to middleweight, defending his title with a 55 percent takedown accuracy, a move UFC president Dana White says could spark a new wave of multi-division champions.

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Chimaev Defends Title

UFC 328 sees Khamzat Chimaev defend his title against Sean Strickland on May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark.
Joe Rogan noted that Chimaev’s 55 percent takedown accuracy versus Strickland’s 76 percent defense could keep the fight standing because of Strickland’s jab-heavy style.
Entering the bout with a 15-0 record after beating Dricus Du Plessis, Chimaev faced his only grappler Kamaru Usman, who won the third round of their UFC 294 fight in October 2023.

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