Story perspectives

Strickland Wins Split Decision, Gets 45-Day Suspension

5/15/2026

Summary

Strickland Wins

Champion Sean Strickland beat Russian Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 in Newark on May 9, 2026.
He reported a type 2 AC separation, V SLAP tear and rotator-cuff damage from a sparring session.
The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board imposed 45-day suspensions including 30-day no-contact on fighters, placed Strickland on a medical hold, and said his next defense could target French contender Nassourdine Imavov this year.

Summary

Strickland Triumphs

UFC officials added extra security and stopped Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev from meeting at weigh-ins.
Coach Eric Nicksick said the animosity between the fighters was “100 percent a beef,” not fabricated.
Both camps touched gloves before the bout and embraced after Strickland’s split-decision win despite the tension.
Nicksick recalled Chimaev hugging him at the hotel and said the atmosphere felt different from Strickland’s upset over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293.

History

Historical Context

In September 2000 the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board began allowing MMA events and helped codify the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, which set statewide medical-suspension standards. The board’s authority, later reinforced by the 2001 uniform-rules meeting and the 2009 adoption by the Association of Boxing Commissions, underpins today’s enforcement actions such as the May 2026 medical hold on Sean Strickland.

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Strickland Wins

Champion Sean Strickland beat Russian Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 in Newark on May 9, 2026.
He reported a type 2 AC separation, V SLAP tear and rotator-cuff damage from a sparring session.
The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board imposed 45-day suspensions including 30-day no-contact on fighters, placed Strickland on a medical hold, and said his next defense could target French contender Nassourdine Imavov this year.

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