Cormier Broke Down the Strickland–Chimaev Matchup
Daniel Cormier analyzed the Sean Strickland–Khamzat Chimaev middleweight title fight before UFC 328. The matchup took place on May 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, where Strickland won by split decision and reclaimed the championship.
A former champion’s pre-fight view
Cormier discussed the fight on his show after the UFC announced the matchup. His segment considered how Strickland’s striking and Chimaev’s wrestling could shape the main event.
The contest paired the champion’s grappling pressure with Strickland’s jab and defensive work during a tense buildup and press conference week. Cormier’s comments came before the bout, so they were analysis rather than a post-fight explanation of the final judges’ decision.
Chimaev entered the contest unbeaten and was making his first title defense. Strickland had earned the opportunity after stopping Anthony Hernandez in February.
The bout went to the scorecards
The five-round fight produced a split decision. Two judges scored it 48–47 for Strickland and one scored it 48–47 for Chimaev, returning the UFC middleweight belt to the former champion.
The result was a decision, not a late finish. UFC’s official scorecards confirm the precise totals and title change.
The embedded segment preserves Cormier’s earlier analysis. The final result provides context for readers while keeping his pre-fight comments distinct from the later outcome.
Sources
- UFC: official result and fight report
- UFC: official scorecards
- The Daniel Cormier Show: pre-fight matchup reaction
