Credit: GettySEAN STRICKLAND shocked the world with a stunning split-decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev to reclaim the middleweight title.
The former training partners turned rivals locked horns with one another early this morning in the main event of 328 in New Jersey.
Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland locked horns in the main event of UFC 328 Credit: Getty
Chimaev dominated with his wrestling early doors but Strickland held firm Credit: Getty
Bad blood had been building between the two men for the last two years thanks to some xenophobic trash talk from Strickland.
The pair nearly brawled after Thursday’s pre-fight press conference when Chimaev KICKED the former champion during their face-off.
The Chechen clubber vowed during the expletive-filled presser to “kill” Strickland and make him pay for his words.
But Strickland did what many thought was impossible by beating the Russian via split decision.
Strickland was overcome with emotion after the fight, so much so he apologised for his pre-fight amble.
He told Joe Rogan: “I just want to apologize to my American fans, to my Muslim fans and Christian fans.
“I went too f***ing hard, I admit it. I respect all, you guys.”
Chimaev opened up the fight with a leg kick and immediately follwed up with a blistering double leg which grounded the former champion.
Strickland did good job of preventing the challenger from getting a body lock until a slick transition from the Russian.
But he stayed remarkably calm in the face of insane danger with Chimaev on his back.
Fans weren’t seemingly too happy with the grapple heavy approach, with several of them booing the Chechen’s dominance – which led to full mount with just over a minute of the round remaining.
Strickland briefly magaed to get back up but was hurtling back to the canvas with a huge mat, which paved the way for a rear-naked choke attempt before the horn went.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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