NEWARK, N.J. — Sean Strickland claimed the UFC 185-pound championship for the second time, edging out Khamzat Chimaev in a split decision at UFC 328. The fight took place before a lively crowd of 17,783 at the Prudential Center.
The judges scored the match 48-47 for Strickland on two cards, while Chimaev received the same score from one judge. After the final round, Strickland playfully pretended to fasten the championship belt around his waist, with Chimaev assisting him in the cage afterward.
Strickland, who previously held the title in September 2023, acknowledged that his pre-fight trash talk had been excessive. He apologized for using stereotypes and called for respect among fans of all backgrounds. “I respect all you guys,” he stated, mentioning various ethnicities and religions.
Interestingly, UFC beefed up security for this event, given the intense hostility between the fighters leading up to it. Strickland’s remarks had raised eyebrows, particularly his controversial comments about Chimaev’s connections to Chechen politics.
Chimaev, unbeaten prior to this match, expressed a desire to move up in weight after the bout. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed this conversation, hinting that Chimaev may explore new challenges in the future.
In the co-main event, Joshua Van successfully defended his flyweight title against Tatsuro Taira. This fight was notable as it marked the first title bout between two Asian fighters in UFC history. Van dominated, winning by stoppage in the fifth round after a series of powerful punches.
Van has now won seven consecutive fights and boasts an impressive record since joining UFC. His performance delighted the Newark fans and showcased his growing status in the sport.
Meanwhile, Jim Miller, a veteran fighter at 42, secured a victory in his first fight since his son overcame childhood cancer. In a heartfelt moment, Miller dedicated his win to his son, Wyatt, who had battled rhabdomyosarcoma. After an intense fight, Miller extended his own personal records in UFC fights and career victories, highlighting his resilience both inside and outside the cage.
Miller’s return to the octagon after a significant break adds to a growing narrative in sports—athletes facing personal challenges yet still achieving their goals. His words about his son were filled with pride, emphasizing the strength and determination shared by both of them.
This event showcased not just the athletes’ skills, but also their personal stories, resonating with fans on multiple levels. The UFC continues to be a platform where athleticism meets humanity, connecting fighters to their supporters in meaningful ways.
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