Sean Strickland beats Khamzat Chimaev to become UFC Champion

Sean Strickland did it again!  He is now a 2x UFC World Champion with both of his championship victories being some of the biggest upsets in the history of the Middleweight division.  Heading into his first title fight against Israel Adesanya Sean Strickland was a big underdog before having the UFC belt raised around his waist.  With similar odds in his fight to Khamzat Chimaev fans weren’t sure what to expect after the back-and-forth between the two fighters, former training partners.

Following the 5 rounds of action Khamzat Chimaev ended up suffering the first defeat of his career as Sean Strickland used a jab heavy counter punch style to defeat Chimaev who appeared to suffer from cardio issues early in the 2nd round after Strickland was able to sprawl and gain dominate position.  Heading into the 5th and final round many people had the fight tied 2-2 heading into the deciding round.  Following the 5th round Sean Strickland was named UFC champion  and Khamzat Chimaev wrapped the belt around Strickland’s waist.

The Co Main event featured Joshua Van of Myanmar secure a stranding KO over Tatsuro Taira who had the opportunity to become Japans first UFC Champion.  Despite his best efforts Joshua Van put on a dominate performance to remain “And Still”.

Alexander Volkov picked up a decision win over Waldo Cortes Acosta to keep his momentum at the top of the Heavyweight division.  Sean Brady picked up a dominate decision win over Joaquin Buckley while King Bobby Green secured a RNC over UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens.  Former Bellator MMA Champion Yaroslav Amosov picked up an arm triangle choke over Joel Alvarez in a dominate peformance.

Other fighters who picked up wins as UFC 328 at the prudential center in Newark New Jersey included Ateba Gautier, Grant Dawson, Jim Miller, Roman Kopylov, Pat Sabatini, Baisangur Susurkaev, and Jose Ochoa.