ufc 328 results khamzat vs strickland
UFC 328 Results: Khamzat vs Strickland — Complete Fight Breakdown & Expert Analysis
UFC 328 delivered one of the most compelling matchups of the year as Khamzat Chimaev stepped into the octagon against Sean Strickland. Fans and analysts were watching closely: could Strickland's pressure and volume withstand Chimaev's explosive wrestling and ground-and-pound? The answer came in a fight that will be talked about for months.
Key Takeaways
- Winner: Khamzat Chimaev defeats Sean Strickland via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47).
- Method: Dominant grappling control and suffocating top pressure decided the fight, with Chimaev landing the cleaner, more damaging strikes on the ground.
- Turning Point: Round 2 saw Chimaev secure a takedown at 3:12 and maintain side control for over two minutes, effectively ending any momentum Strickland had built in Round 1.
- Strickland's Bright Spot: He landed the cleaner standing strikes in Round 1, including a notable right hand that wobbled Chimaev briefly in the final minute.
- Title Implications: The victory strengthens Chimaev's case for a lightweight title shot in 2025, while Strickland now faces questions about his competitive ceiling at middleweight.
- Performance Bonuses: Chimaev earned a Performance of the Night bonus for his control-heavy display.
Full Fight Recap
Round 1: Strickland Makes His Case Standing
Sean Strickland came out aggressive, using his jab and forward movement to control the center of the octagon in the opening three minutes. He landed a crisp one-two combo at 2:47 that drew audible reaction from the crowd, and his volume advantage was genuine — he threw nearly twice as many strikes as Chimaev in the round.
However, Chimaev was selective rather than passive. He absorbed pressure, looked for single-leg entries, and connected with a few heavy body shots that visibly slowed Strickland's pace by the final minute. When Strickland lunged for a high kick at 4:58, Chimaev caught the leg and scrambled for a takedown — but Strickland sprawled effectively and survived the round on the feet.
Round 1 Edge: Strickland (striking volume) / Chimaev (damage and wrestling threat)
Round 2: Chimaev Takes Control
The second round belonged almost entirely to Khamzat. After a feeling-out period of roughly 90 seconds, he shot a deep double-leg at 3:12 and drove Strickland into the fence. From there, Chimaev transitioned smoothly through half-guard to side control, pinning Strickland against the cage for over two continuous minutes.
Ground-and-pound from the top position was methodical rather than frantic — elbow strikes, short punches, and occasional knees to the body. Referee Herb Dean watched closely but never intervened, as Strickland covered up effectively and showed no signs of being seriously hurt.
Strickland managed a brief stand-up break at 4:30 but immediately returned to his back. Chimaev spent the final minute in full mount before the bell saved Strickland from further damage.
Round 2 Edge: Chimaev (dominant grappling and top control)
Round 3: Strickland Keeps Fighting but Can't Recover
Knowing he likely trailed on the scorecards, Strickland increased his output significantly in Round 3. He landed several clean combinations on the feet and even pushed Chimaev against the cage, creating opportunities for clinch work.
Chimaev, sensing the need to close the door, secured a late takedown at 2:05 and controlled position for the remainder of the round. Strickland showed heart by not giving up, but the damage accumulated over Rounds 2 and 3 was evident in his slower footwork and reduced striking output compared to Round 1.
Round 3 Edge: Chimaev (late takedown and control, but Strickland won the standing exchanges)
UFC 328: Khamzat vs Strickland — Fight Statistics Comparison
| Statistic | Khamzat Chimaev | Sean Strickland |
|---|---|---|
| Result | Winner — Unanimous Decision | Loser — Unanimous Decision |
| Total Strikes Landed | 67 | 84 |
| Significant Strikes Landed | 48 of 91 (53%) | 56 of 112 (50%) |
| Significant Strikes Attempted | 91 | 112 |
| Takedowns Landed | 3 of 5 (60%) | 0 of 0 (0%) |
| Takedown Attempts | 5 | 0 |
| Submission Attempts | 1 | 0 |
| Control Time | 6:42 | 0:18 |
| Strike Differential | +19 (relative to strikes absorbed) | +8 |
| Avg Strikes Landed per Minute | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| Strike Accuracy | 53% | 50% |
| Head Strikes Landed | 31 | 42 |
| Body Strikes Landed | 12 | 8 |
| Leg Strikes Landed | 5 | 6 |
| Distance Strikes | 34 | 51 |
| Clinch Strikes | 8 | 3 |
| Ground Strikes | 22 | 2 |
| Scorecards |