Sean Strickland’s victory over Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 328 came at a cost beyond the middleweight title. The American fighter emerged from the bout with a severely swollen and deformed face, a stark contrast to his opponent’s relatively unscathed appearance. The image of his post-fight condition quickly went viral, highlighting the brutal nature of their five-round battle.
Chimaev, known for his suffocating grappling style, initially dominated the first round by taking Strickland down and controlling the action on the mat. Despite failing to land significant damage, the Chechen fighter maintained top position, advanced his grappling, and repeatedly attempted submissions. Strickland defended well but struggled to escape or mount any offense.
The second round marked a turning point. Strickland successfully stuffed both takedown attempts from Chimaev, neutralizing his primary weapon. With the fight remaining on the feet, Strickland dictated the pace with volume and pressure, while Chimaev appeared to tire. The American’s boxing began to take effect, landing clean straight punches that left visible damage.
In the third round, Chimaev abandoned takedowns entirely, engaging in a stand-up battle that favored Strickland. The American outlanded his opponent with superior volume and accuracy, though Chimaev briefly stunned him with a hard shot. Strickland recovered quickly and regained control.
The fourth round saw Chimaev become more active on the feet, balancing the exchanges with increased aggression. However, he couldn’t replicate his early grappling success. In the final round, Chimaev returned to his wrestling roots, taking Strickland down in the closing seconds but failing to secure a finish before the bell.
Strickland later posted a “before and after” photo on social media showing the dramatic transformation of his face, which drew widespread attention. Despite the physical toll, the new middleweight champion praised his team and vowed to continue improving.
The victory marked Strickland’s first title defense after winning the belt, while Chimaev suffered his first UFC loss in a closely contested battle that showcased both fighters’ strengths.
