He's the champion! Unstoppable, Sean Strickland defeats Khamzat Chimaev and shocks the world at UFC 328.

Sean Strickland promised to shock the world in UFC 328, an event held this Saturday (9), in New Jersey (USA), and kept its word. If before the main fight there was a huge amount of security to prevent any fighting, without it in the octagon, Khamzat Shimaev He came off worse and fell for the first time in MMA. After a 25-minute battle, the American did the improbable and defeated the Chechen by split decision, becoming middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) for the second time in his career.

In this way, Strickland showed that he deserves respect. The bad boy ensured he had the ideal game plan to stop Chimaev, and he was right. A striking specialist, the American defended against 'Borz's' takedowns, tired him out, and used his jabs extensively.

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But the coolest thing happened at the end of the duel. Despite the rivalry, the athletes didn't fight. On the contrary, the Chechen made a point of placing the belt on his opponent. The new champion also showed his respect for Khamzat and praised him. Since the fight was a war, there is a possibility that the pair will face each other again.

Classic battle

Contrary to expectations, Chimaev started the fight by throwing kicks at Strickland. But, obviously, it didn't take long for Chimaev to put his wrestling skills into play, taking Strickland down and taking his back. Calm on the ground, Chimaev controlled Strickland, who remained composed and resisted. After Strickland got up, Chimaev executed a beautiful takedown. Even at a disadvantage on the ground, Strickland landed punches on Chimaev, causing him to bleed. Chimaev even attempted a rear-naked choke, but was unsuccessful.

Strickland celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

In the second round, Strickland landed jabs on Chimaev, who responded with a cross. Still standing, Strickland threw jabs and straight punches at Chimaev. Wanting to show improvement in his striking, Chimaev threw punches, but he was hit more than he landed on Strickland. Then, Chimaev attempted a takedown, but Strickland defended and got on top. With the fight back on its feet, Strickland again defended against a tired Chimaev's takedown attempt and got on top again. With the advantage, Strickland controlled Chimaev and scored points with punches.

In the third round, Chimaev and Strickland exchanged blows standing up. Calm and confident, Strickland threw jabs. Chimaev moved forward desperately, relying on his power, but was hit more often by Strickland. A striking specialist, Strickland proved sharp and controlled Chimaev with jabs and straight punches. Lost, Chimaev didn't even try to take Strickland down. It's true that Chimaev made Strickland bleed, but he continued to receive jabs. Relying on strength, Chimaev unbalanced Strickland with a cross, but had difficulty defending himself.

In the fourth round, an excited Chimaev grimaced and cheered. Confident, Chimaev went on the offensive in the striking exchanges, trying to surprise Strickland with low kicks and punches. Even while backing up, Strickland landed jabs and straight punches on Chimaev. Pressuring Strickland, Chimaev landed overhands and straight punches, but Strickland defended and continued with his jab-based strategy. At the end of the round, Chimaev took Strickland down, but couldn't control him on the ground.

In the final round, the fighters showed respect and shook hands. Chimaev quickly took Strickland down, but Strickland got back up. In the clinch against the cage, Chimaev attempted another takedown, but Strickland continued to defend. In the striking exchanges, Strickland continued to land jabs on Chimaev. Chimaev chased Strickland but had difficulty connecting with his strikes. Focused, Strickland continued to jab, while Chimaev relied on straight punches. In the final moments, Chimaev attempted a takedown, but Strickland defended. Standing, Strickland landed a beautiful straight punch on Chimaev, who responded with a powerful punch. In the end, the rivals displayed sportsmanship and shook hands again.

Strickland celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

UFC 328 results

MAIN CARD

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Sean Strickland derrotou Khamzat Shimaev by split decision of the judges (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) and won the belt.

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joshua Van derrotou Tatsuro Taira by technical knockout (punches) at 1:32 of round 5 and defended the belt.

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Alexander Volkov derrotou Waldo Cortes Acosta by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Sean brady derrotou Joaquin buckley by unanimous decision of the judges (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): King Green derrotou Jeremy Stephens via submission (rear naked choke) at 4min20s of R1

PRELIMINARY CARD

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ateba Gautier defeated Ozzy Diaz by knockout (punches) at 1:10 of R2

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Yaroslav Amosov defeated Joel alvarez by submission (Katagatame) at 1:13 of Round 2

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Grant dawson derrotou Mateusz Rebecki via submission (rear naked choke) at 4min48s of R3

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Jim Miller derrotou Jared gordon via submission (guillotine) at 3min29s of R1

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Roman Kopylov derrotou Marcus Tullius Learn by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): pat sabatini derrotou William Gomis by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Baisangur Susurkaev defeated Djorden Santos via submission (rear naked choke) at 4min12s of R3

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Jose Ochoa derrotou Clayton Carpenter by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)