What happened: Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision in the UFC 328 main event on Saturday, May 9, to become UFC middleweight champion again. The judges scored it 48-47, 47-48 and 48-47 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The loss was the first of Chimaev's MMA career.
Why it matters: The result resets the middleweight division and adds another major title-fight upset to Sean Strickland's resume. ESPN Stats & Info said Strickland is the only fighter since 2008 with multiple title-fight wins as a 3-1 underdog or longer, a note that could shape rematch pricing and future middleweight markets.
By the numbers: {"result":"Strickland def. Chimaev, split decision","scorecards":["48-47 Strickland","47-48 Chimaev","48-47 Strickland"],"venue":"Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey","records_after":{"Strickland":"31-7","Chimaev":"15-1"}," ":{"opening":{"Chimaev":" ","Strickland":" "},"near_fight":{"Chimaev":" ","Strickland":" "}},"note":"ESPN Stats & Info said Strickland is the only fighter since 2008 with multiple title-fight wins as a 3-1 underdog or longer."}
What to watch: Watch for UFC confirmation on whether Chimaev gets an immediate rematch or if the promotion moves Strickland into a new title defense. The and contender queue at middleweight should react quickly after the upset.