Sean Strickland defeats Khamzat Chimaev in UFC 328 main event
The first time middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland came face-to-face during UFC 328 fight week chaos ensued. During the pre-fight press conference face-offs , Chimaev tried to kick Strickland in the groin and security had to separate the two. They used to train together but their relationship deteriorated into one of the biggest and most intense rivalries in the promotion's history.
On Saturday, the two headlined the UFC 328 fight card at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey in a legitimate grudge match. Surpisingly, the two touched gloves twice during introductions. Chimaev landed a kick to the body to start the fight.
He pressed forward and easily took Strickland down. Strickland worked to stand. Chimaev stayed on him and drug him back to the canvas.
Chimaev took Strickland's back. Strickland rolled and got to a knee. Chimaev took Strickland's back standing.
Strickland dropped to the canvas. Chimaev wasn't inflicting damage but controlled position. Midway through the round, Strickland scrambled.