*This content was translated by AI.
In a matchup between Sean Strickland (34, USA) and Hamzat Chimaev (32, Russia), which was dubbed a historic rivalry due to unprecedented conflicts including Chimaev kicking Strickland in the groin during the weigh-in, Strickland emerged victorious. After enduring Chimaev's relentless ground assault in the early rounds, Strickland turned the tide with persistent striking to reclaim the middleweight championship.
On the 10th (Korean time), Strickland defeated champion Chimaev in the main event of the middleweight title bout at UFC 328, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, USA, winning by unanimous decision after five rounds of intense competition with scores of 2-1 (48-47, 47-48, 48-47).
With this victory, Strickland became the second fighter in history to hold the middleweight title twice, following Israel Adesanya.
The atmosphere before the fight was hostile. Strickland provoked Chimaev by calling him a "coward" and a "dog," while Chimaev retaliated by kicking Strickland in the groin during their face-to-face encounter after the weigh-in.
Due to the already heated tension, dozens of security personnel were deployed inside the octagon to prevent any physical confrontation between the two fighters.
The first round unfolded as expected, with Chimaev dominating. Just 15 seconds into the round, Chimaev secured a takedown and attempted a rear-naked choke while clinging to Strickland's back. Chimaev's offensive pressure was so powerful that Strickland could barely survive the round.
The turning point came in the second round. Chimaev's stamina plummeted, and his explosive takedowns lost their effectiveness. Instead, Strickland defended Chimaev's takedown attempts, gained top position, and unleashed a barrage of ground-and-pound strikes. In the third round, Strickland's precise jabs repeatedly landed on Chimaev's face, leaving Chimaev struggling without even attempting a single takedown.
In the middle of the fourth round, Chimaev tried to disrupt the flow with a surprise takedown, but in the fifth round, Strickland unleashed another flurry of jabs. Strickland cornered the exhausted Chimaev and accumulated clean strikes. Just before the final bell, both fighters poured all their energy into a chaotic brawl, and the judges ultimately raised Strickland's hand.
According to UFC statistics, Strickland dominated in significant strikes with a 163-115 advantage. Dana White, UFC CEO, also stated, "I scored the fight for Strickland as well."
After reclaiming the championship belt, Strickland said, "Chimaev seems to have broken my nose. He is truly a beast of a fighter," expressing his respect for Chimaev. He also apologized for his harsh pre-fight remarks, saying, "I overdid the provocation for the sake of the event's promotion," and bowed his head.
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*This content was translated by AI.
