Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight title after defeating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey.
Strickland recovered from a difficult opening round to edge the contest on the judges’ scorecards after five rounds.
Two judges scored the bout 48-47 in favour of the American, while the third gave the same score to Chimaev.
The victory made Strickland a two-time UFC middleweight champion and handed Chimaev his first defeat of his professional career after 16 fights.
The fight followed a tense build-up marked by repeated exchanges between both fighters. Strickland had faced criticism for comments directed at Chimaev’s religion and heritage, while Chimaev responded with remarks relating to Strickland’s childhood experiences.
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Security was increased throughout fight week, with officers separating both men before the start of the bout. Despite the tension, the pair touched gloves before the opening exchanges.
Chimaev started strongly and secured an early takedown, controlling much of the first round on the ground. The Russian-Emirati fighter attempted to repeat the approach that helped him defeat Dricus du Plessis for the title in August.
Strickland, however, adjusted in the second round by improving his takedown defence and forcing the contest to remain standing for longer periods. Using his jab effectively, he gradually found success as Chimaev continued to press forward.
Both fighters suffered visible facial damage during the fight, but Strickland maintained his composure in the final round and defended several takedown attempts before raising his hand confidently at the end of the contest.
“I want to apologise to my American fans, Christian fans and Muslim fans. I went too hard, I admit it,” said Strickland.
“I respect all, you guys. I should be a better example, but I try to sell these fights.”
Speaking after the result, Strickland also praised his opponent’s resilience inside the octagon.
“He would not go back. I hit him with everything, but he keeps coming forward. Crazy,” said Strickland.
“He may have broken my nose, but I love my fans; I would not be here today without you guys.”
The rivalry had attracted major attention before the event, with UFC president Dana White describing it as one of the most heated feuds in the organisation’s history.
The co-main event saw Joshua Van retain his flyweight title with a fifth-round stoppage win over Tatsuro Taira.
Taira enjoyed success early with takedowns, but Van gradually took control before ending the contest with a series of punches. The victory marked the first successful title defence of Van’s career.
After the fight, Van called for a rematch with former champion Alexandre Pantoja, whom he defeated in December after the Brazilian suffered an arm injury during their title bout.
