Sean Strickland reveals shoulder injury before UFC 328 upset victory
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UFC fighter Michael Chandler invites Fox News meteorologist Adam Klotz to his Nashville, Tennessee gym for an intense MMA workout. Chandler discusses his upcoming historic fight at the White House for America’s 250th anniversary, UFC Freedom 250, and his passion for supporting veterans with Folds of Honor and Phorm Energy drinks. It highlights resilience and faith in his journey from college tour to the White House.
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Sean Strickland dropped everything in the octagon Saturday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, upsetting Khamzat Chimaev to be crowned UFC middleweight champion once again in his career.
Chimaev, who has never lost a UFC fight in his 16-bout career, was a convincing favorite heading into this co-main event of UFC 328, but Strickland was named the winner via split decision after five grueling rounds, where he declared he wasn’t in full health.
After having the belt placed around his waist by Chimaev, Strickland said that he injured his shoulder while training earlier in the week.
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Sean Strickland reacts after his split decision victory over Russia’s Khamzat Chimaev in their UFC middleweight title fight during UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on May 9, 2026. (Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
“Funny story; I was arguing with Johnny on Tuesday [Eblen]He’s the f——, PFL champion. I’m at Plinio Cruz’s gym. “He shot at me, so I hit his brick wall and separated my shoulder,” Strickland told reporters at the post-fight press conference. “So, I had a first degree AC union separation on Tuesday. I remember laying in bed Tuesday night and I can’t lay on my right side. I said, ‘You’re such an idiot.’ You’re such an idiot.”
Strickland added that he liked to do pre-fight warm-ups in the back locker rooms, but couldn’t do so for fear he might re-injure his shoulder. And a shoulder injury is never a good thing against a wrestler who Chimaev has excelled at throughout his UFC career.
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Chimaev proved this by defeating Strickland in just 15 seconds in the first round. This was the dominant performance that many believed would occur between these two fighters at the Prudential Center.
Until Strickland gained some momentum in the second round, staying on his feet and landing strikes. From there, both fighters began trading blows, but in the fifth round, Strickland had an interesting moment with Chimaev.
Sean Strickland reacts after his split decision victory over Russia’s Khamzat Chimaev in their UFC middleweight title fight during UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on May 9, 2026. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
With both fighters covered in blood, Strickland said Chimaev pointed to the mat near the end of the fifth round, which was a signal for the fighters to start throwing haymakers. However, there is usually a code of honor associated with this; It is nothing more than throwing punches and performing for a fighting crowd.
“He pointed at the pass and said, ‘Let’s give the people what they want, let’s make the man dance,’ or some s—. And I said, ‘Okay. The guy who kicked me in the balls yesterday, I trust you. I trust you, Chimaev. You seem like a really trustworthy man. I liked your smile. We shook hands, I believe you.’
“So I put my hands up and he shot at me.”
Sean Strickland punches Russia’s Khamzat Chimaev during their UFC middleweight title fight at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026 in Newark, NJ. (Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
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Even though Strickland didn’t like this move, he and Chimaev showed respect for each other during the match, and obviously that was Chimaev’s move to give the belt to his opponent after the match.
Strickland, 35, is a polarizing figure in the UFC, but the crowd is loudly chanting “USA!” made him shout. many times, especially after being named champion.
