UFC’s Michael Chandler prepares for the America 250 White House fight
UFC fighter Michael Chandler invites Pakinomist meteorologist Adam Klotz to his gym in Nashville, Tennessee for an intense MMA training session. Chandler discusses his historic upcoming White House fight for America’s 250th anniversary, UFC Freedom 250, and his passion for supporting veterans through Folds of Honor and Phorm Energy drinks. He emphasizes resilience and faith in his journey from a college walk-on to the White House.
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Sean Strickland left it all in the Octagon at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday night, leaving Khamzat Chimaev upset to be named UFC middleweight champion again for his career.
Chimaev, who had never lost a UFC bout in his 16-fight career, was a clear favorite heading into this UFC 328 co-main event, but Strickland was crowned the winner by split decision after five hard-fought rounds in which he revealed he wasn’t even at full health.
After getting the belt around Chimaev’s waist, Strickland said he hurt his shoulder sparring earlier this week.
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Sean Strickland reacts after a split decision victory against Khamzat Chimaev of Russia in the UFC middleweight championship bout during UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on May 9, 2026. (Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
“Funny story – on Tuesday I spar with Johnny [Eblen]that mother—–, PFL champ. I’m at Plinio Cruz’s gym. He’s shooting at me and I hit his wall and I separate my shoulder,” Strickland told reporters during his postgame press conference. “So I had a prime AC separation on Tuesday. I remember lying in bed on Tuesday night and I can’t lie on my right side. I’m like, ‘You’re such a f—ing idiot. You’re such a f—ing idiot.”
Strickland added that he likes to have some better warm-ups before the game in the back locker rooms, but he was unable to do so for fear of re-injuring his shoulder. And a shoulder injury is never good against a wrestler that Chimaev has shown to dominate throughout his UFC career.
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Chimaev proved that in the first round when he took Strickland down to the canvas after just 15 seconds. It was the dominant performance that many thought would follow at the Prudential Center between these two fighters.
That is until Strickland found some momentum in the second round, staying on his feet and landing strikes. From there, both fighters traded blows, but the fifth round was when Strickland had an interesting moment with Chimaev.
Sean Strickland reacts after a split decision victory against Khamzat Chimaev of Russia in the UFC middleweight championship bout during UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on May 9, 2026. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
With both fighters bloodied, Strickland said Chimaev pointed to the mat near the end of the fifth round, which is a sign for fighters to start throwing haymakers. But there’s usually a code of honor with it – nothing but punches and giving the fight crowd a show.
“He pointed to the mat and said, ‘Let’s give the people what they want, let’s make the man dance,’ or some s—. And I was like, ‘OK. I trust you, the guy who just kicked me in the balls yesterday. I trust you, Chimaev. You seem like a really trustworthy guy. I like your smile. I think you shook hands.’
“So I put my hands up and he’s shooting at me.”
Sean Strickland defeats Khamzat Chimaev of Russia during the UFC Middleweight Championship bout at UFC 328 in Newark, NJ on May 9, 2026. (Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
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Although Strickland didn’t like the move, he and Chimaev showed respect for each other during the match, and clearly the latter’s post-match move to pass the belt to his opponent.
The 35-year-old Strickland is a polarizing figure in the UFC, but he had the crowd chanting “USA!” over and over again, especially after being named champion.
