Sean Strickland Returns to Xtreme Couture With UFC 328 Belt After Reclaiming Middleweight Title
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · May 12
Sean Strickland Returns to Xtreme Couture With UFC 328 Belt After Reclaiming Middleweight Title
7 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · May 12
Tuesday at Xtreme Couture, Sean Strickland brought back the middleweight belt he won at UFC 328 and told teammates, coaches and staff that “it’s not just my belt, it’s our belt.”
The visit came three days after Strickland upset Khamzat Chimaev in Saturday’s main event, reclaiming the title in his second career championship-winning upset.
Strickland said he was “pretty fucked up” from the fight and plans to take a few weeks off, while crediting repeated returns to the gym after losses for helping him win the belt again.
What comes next remains unsettled: Chimaev is pushing for an immediate rematch, while Strickland has said he prefers to follow the rankings, which could point to No. 3 contender Nassourdine Imavov.
How does this controversial win shape Sean Strickland’s complicated legacy and his path to the Hall of Fame?
After his first career loss, will Khamzat Chimaev's obsession with a rematch help or hinder his future?
Will the UFC grant Chimaev an immediate rematch or will the next title shot go to the top contender?