標籤: Strickland

The UFC 328 card delivered not one, but two championship matches on Saturday night. In the night’s co-main event, flyweight king Joshua Wan silenced some skeptics about his UFC 323 title victory by defeating Tatsuro Taira in a back-and-forth battle to retain his title with a big fifth-round score.

In the evening’s headliner, Sean Strickland proved the oddsmakers wrong when he was able to slow down the wrestling game of Khamzat Chimaev to begin his second reign as UFC middleweight champion. After those two big fights, let’s see where Strickland and Vann land in our new UFC pound-for-pound rankings.

10. Tom Aspinall (15-3)

Englishman Tom Aspinall is the best heavyweight in the UFC. It became official when MMA GOAT Jon Jones decided to step away from the sport earlier this year. The Englishman has defeated many of the best fighters in the division over the past three years and is the undisputed leader in the eyes of most UFC fans.

After definitively avenging the only defeat of his UFC career in the summer of 2024, he made his first defense of the undisputed title in October. Unfortunately, a nasty blow from opponent Cyril Game ended the UFC 321 main event after just a few minutes. An immediate rematch in early 2026 appears likely.

9.Joshua Vann (16-2)

Joshua Vann has quietly put in an impressive performance in the Octagon. At UFC 317, he got his big opportunity in a clash with top-five veteran Brandon Royval and earned a hard-fought career-defining decision victory. The win earned the Myanmar native a championship opportunity at UFC 323.

In the card’s co-main event, he became the second youngest champion, but it was bittersweet when Pantoja suffered a non-contact injury to his elbow, leading to an immediate end to the fight in Round 1. He’s the new king of the division, but he didn’t earn the top spot in that fight.

8. Charles Oliveira (36-11)

Charles Oliveria holds several UFC records and is considered one of the greatest Brazilian MMA fighters of all time. There’s a lot to like about his fighting style, and his resume is full of big wins. But age catches up with everyone, and it has taken its toll on “Du Bronx” over the years as he has split his last four fights.

Since he is out of the title picture, the former lightweight king decided to pursue the BMF title in March instead. At UFC 326, Oliveira had the best performance of his career, as he completely dominated fellow future Hall of Famer Max Holloway to win his second championship in the company.

7. Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Davlishvili is truly “The Machine”. His tenacity and wrestling have turned him into one of the best bantamweights on the planet. If there were any doubts after his 2024 win over Sean O’Malley, he silenced them with an even more decisive rematch victory at UFC 316.

Following that fight, the champ put his gold on the line against fan-favorite Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, and like his previous 13 fights, he dominated with his wrestling and cardio. He seems invincible at this time.

6. Shawn Strickland (31-7)

Wildman Sean Strickland may not be the brightest fighter in UFC middleweight history, but he has consistently proven to be a tough test for the world’s best, which is why he proved many doubters wrong by winning UFC gold in 2023.

While he lost in his first defense two years ago, “Tarzan” battled back for a title opportunity at UFC 328 in May, and shocked the MMA world when he ended Khamzat Chimaev’s dominance to become a two-time UFC middleweight champion.

5.Petr Yan (20-5)

The three consecutive losses led many to wonder if Petr Yan’s days as a top five bantamweight were over. However, his recent wins over Yadon Song, Deiveson Figueiredo and Marcus McGhee helped rebuild his title contender status. Earning a title shot at UFC 323.

In a rematch with a man who had defeated him two years earlier, the Russian was the greatest version of himself as he decisively defeated Merab Dvalishvili to become a two-time bantamweight champion. “No Mercy” proved that he is fully back to being an elite fighter in the world.

4. Alexander Volkanovski (28-4)

Alexander Volkanovski has solidified his place as the best featherweight of all time. However, a move up in weight for a second title shot and the rise of Ilya Topuria led to “The Great” suffering three consecutive losses and speculation that his best days were behind him.

However, he has bounced back from those setbacks to establish his dominance at 145 pounds with back-to-back wins over Diego Lopes. Most recently appearing in front of his countrymen at UFC 325. Although he did not get the finish, he once again proved that he is a cut above the Brazilian native.

3. Alex Pereira (12-3)

Alex Pereira’s UFC story is legendary. After nine fights, he became a two-division champion and scored devastating victories over some of the best fighters of the era at middleweight and light heavyweight. The 38-year-old has been a revelation for the company and has connected with the MMA fanbase with a fighting approach similar to cage fighting icon Fedor Emelianenko.

After being on the wrong side of a disappointing decision loss in March, the Brazilian returned with a vengeance at UFC 320. He came out of the gate in his rematch with Magomed Ankalev and blew him away in a matter of minutes to regain his place at the top of the division.

2. Ilya Topuria (17-0)

Ilya Topuria will go down as one of the greatest featherweights of all time. But instead of further enhancing his 145-pound resume, “El Matador” moved to lightweight in search of history. Well, he achieved the feat in June by becoming just the 10th fighter to win gold in two divisions. Crushing former 155 pound champion Charles Oliveria and adding him to his hit list of veterans.

1. Islam Makhachev (28-1)

Islam Makhachev has solidified his place as one of the greatest UFC lightweights of all time with his wins over Dustin Poirier, Alexander Volkanovski (twice) and Charles Oliveira. Not only is he a dominant wrestler, but he has one of the most underrated standup games in the game.

At UFC 322, he made his mark in UFC history when he moved up in weight and became the latest fighter to win titles in two divisions, as he became the new welterweight king with a dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

In the main event of UFC 328, the middleweight strap was on the line when Khamzat Chimaev defended the gold for the first time against former champion Sean Strickland. For five rounds, the pair of star 185ers went back and forth in a battle of attrition.

However, when the scorecards were read, Strickland won by split decision. Handing the Chechen the first defeat of his career. Let’s see where both land in our brand new UFC middleweight rankings after UFC 328.

10. Robert Whittaker (26-9)

Robert Whittaker will go down as one of the greatest UFC middleweights of all time. He is a former champion who holds numerous division records and has taken part in some of the best battles of all time. Unfortunately, the Australian has a lot of fight miles on his body, and it has taken its toll in recent years.

He is 3-4 in his last seven, the most recent of which was a tough split decision loss to former ONE star Rainier de Ridder. This setback probably puts an end to any thoughts of fighting for middleweight gold again before his UFC career is over.

9. Reinier de Ridder (21-4)

Reinier de Ridder was a hidden gem in MMA as he rose to fame during impressive performances in ONE Championship, winning titles in two divisions. While some doubted how good he could be in the sport’s top promotion, he calmed those concerns with four major wins inside the Octagon, including a decision victory over division veteran Robert Whittaker.

However, when swimming in top 10 waters, the shark is always around the corner, and RDR has found it quickly. After going 4-0 to start his UFC run, De Ridder has lost two consecutive bouts, the most recent being a decision loss to Caio Oralho.

8. Joe Pfeifer (16-3)

Since earning a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022, Joe Pfeiffer has been a budding problem at 185 pounds. If not for his loss to Jack Hermansson in 2024, he might have already fought for middleweight gold.

However, in March, he scored the biggest win of his life when he got a TKO victory against weight class veteran Israel Adesanya. This was his fourth consecutive W and landed him in our top 10 for the first time.

7. Brendan Allen (26-7)

Brendan Allen was fired up and looking set for a title shot after seven consecutive wins. However, he was given a schedule against the best at 185, and suffered tough losses to Anthony Hernandez and Nasourdin Imov.

However, he has come roaring back ever since. At UFC 318, he scored a hard-fought victory over former title challenger Marvin Vettori. Then at UFC Vancouver, he submitted to red-hot Reinier de Ridder because he couldn’t match his cardio output. Now it is on the verge of reaching the American top five.

6. Anthony Hernandez (15-3)

Anthony Hernandez has quietly become one of the best middleweights in the world. After losing two of his first three and being on the brink of being cut, “Fluffy” rattled off eight consecutive wins, including over Brendan Allen and Roman Dolidze.

His toughest test to date came in February when he faced former division king Sean Strickland. Unfortunately, the former champ completely shut down his wrestling game and laid him to the ground. This is the second knockout defeat of his career. Although he has broken into our top 10, he still remains a tough contender for even the best in the division.

5. Caio Boralho (18-1)

During his six years in the organization, Caio Borralho has gone from a prospect earning a contract in the Contender Series to one of the best middleweights in the world. Posting a record of 8-1 inside the Octagon.

After suffering his first loss in the promotion to Nasourdin Imavov last year, the Brazilian scored a nice bounce-back victory by defeating fellow top-10 fighter Reinier de Ridder at UFC 326.

4. Nasourdin Imavov (16-4)

Nasourdin Imavov has been coming off a very poor run over the past year, which makes him fully deserving of a title opportunity in his next fight. He is undefeated in his last five fights and has wins over several top-10 fighters, including middleweight veteran Israel Adesanya. In September, he got another main event opportunity and defeated fastest rising star Caio Boralho. Arguably, this was his most impressive victory to date.

3.Drics du Plessis (23-3)

Dricas du Plessis has put South African MMA on the map during his career in the UFC. The middleweight star has been victorious in every one of his UFC fights and has defeated champions and veterans on his way to becoming a pound-for-pound fighter. However, he got his match in Chimaev at UFC 319. After dominating “Borz”, the former champion may have to win a fight or two to get another shot at the belt.

2. Khamzat Chimaev (15-1)

Khamzat Chimaev trains to the top of the mountain after a dominant race in the Octagon. “Borz” has become one of the most popular stars in the sport, but he got his chance at UFC 319 to prove he is one of the best. And he did so impressively against Darius du Plessis to become UFC champion.

However, staying on top of the mountain is the hardest thing, and in his first title defense, the Chimaev era came to a stunning end at UFC 328 when Sean Strickland scored an upset victory in a split-decision.

1. Sean Strickland (31-7) – Champion

Wildman Sean Strickland may not be the brightest fighter in UFC middleweight history, but he has consistently proven to be a tough test for the world’s best, which is why he proved many doubters wrong by winning UFC gold in 2023.

While he lost in his first defense two years ago, “Tarzan” battled back for a title opportunity at UFC 328 in May, and shocked the MMA world when he ended Khamzat Chimaev’s dominance to become a two-time UFC middleweight champion.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Saturday night, the action continues on the East Coast as the premier MMA promotion presents UFC 328.

The card is scheduled to take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. UFC 328 will be headlined by a 185-pound championship fight when UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev (15-0) makes his first title defense against Sean Strickland (30-7). The undefeated Russian is looking for another impressive fight in what could be his final fight at middleweight.

In the co-main event, UFC flyweight champion Joshua Wan (16-2) will take on Tatsuro Taira (18-1). After an unexpected result in his last outing, “The Fearless” aims to prove his case as the 125-pound kingpin against a dangerous top-contender in Taira.

Below, you can see all the UFC 328 results and post-fight highlights.

UFC 328 results (early prelims)

Clayton Carpenter (+150) vs. Jose Ochoa (-180)

Baisangur Susurkaev (-700) vs. Jordan Santos (+500)

Pat Sabatini (-170) vs. William Gomis (+140)

Roman Kopylov (+155) vs. Marco Tullio (-185)

UFC 328 results (preliminaries)

Jim Miller (+230) vs. Jared Gordon (-280)

Grant Dawson (-150) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (+125)

Joel Alvarez (+150) vs. Yaroslav Amosov (-180)

Ateba Gautier (-1100) vs. Ozzie Diaz (+700)

UFC 328 results (main card)

King Green (-450) vs. Jeremy Stephens (+350)

Sean Brady (-170) vs. Joaquin Buckley (+145)

Alexander Volkov (-140) vs. Waldo Cortes Acosta (+120)

Joshua Wan (+135) vs. Tatsuro Taira (-160)

Khamzat Chimaev (-500) vs. Sean Strickland (+375)

Born and raised in New York City, Jimmy Robles received a journalism degree from Queens College in 2017. Before… More About Jimmy Robles

On Saturday night, the MMA world leaders return to Paramount+ with a new UFC Fight Night card, headlined by a huge matchup at middleweight. In the main event of the evening, former 185-pound champion Sean Strickland battles red-hot contender Anthony Hernandez to move one step closer to a title shot later this year.

In the end, the one-time titlist’s striking game was too much for “Fluffy” and he earned his first finish in more than two and a half years. Let’s take a look at how Strickland’s win at UFC Fight Night Houston changed our latest UFC middleweight rankings.

10. Robert Whittaker (26-9)

Robert Whittaker will go down as one of the greatest UFC middleweights of all time. He is a former champion who holds numerous division records and has taken part in some of the best battles of all time. Unfortunately, the Australian has a lot of fight miles on his body, and it has taken its toll in recent years.

He is 3-4 in his last seven, the most recent of which was a tough split decision loss to former ONE star Rainier de Ridder. This setback probably puts an end to any thoughts of fighting for middleweight gold again before his UFC career is over.

9. Reinier de Ridder (21-3)

Reinier de Ridder was a hidden gem in MMA as he rose to fame during impressive performances in ONE Championship, winning titles in two divisions. While some doubted how good he could be in the sport’s top promotion, he calmed those concerns with four major wins inside the Octagon, including a decision victory over division veteran Robert Whittaker.

However, when swimming in top 10 waters, sharks are always around the corner, and that was the case at UFC Vancouver. Although he looked good early on, the Dutch fighter’s grappling talent was overtaken by Brendan Allen’s cardio and good athleticism. His first UFC loss came after his corner was surprisingly injured after round 4.

8. Israel Adesanya (24-5)

Israel Adesanya is not only one of the best UFC middleweights of all time, but when all is said and done, he will be viewed as one of the greatest fighters of his era. His place in UFC history is sealed, and he is guaranteed a Hall-of-Famer. But “Father Time” comes for us all, and that has been the case for the former champion over the past few years.

After his championship loss in 2024, there were hopes that he could bounce back with a win over rising star Nasourdin Imavov. But in February he looked to have taken a step back and it was evident when he suffered a KO loss for the second time in his MMA career. He hasn’t fought since and is slowly slipping down our top 10.

7. Brendan Allen (26-7)

Brendan Allen was fired up and looking set for a title shot after seven consecutive wins. However, he was given a schedule against the best at 185, and suffered tough losses to Anthony Hernandez and Nasourdin Imov.

However, he has come roaring back ever since. At UFC 318, he scored a hard-fought victory over former title challenger Marvin Vettori. Then at UFC Vancouver, he submitted to red-hot Reinier de Ridder because he couldn’t match his cardio output. Now it is on the verge of reaching the American top five.

6. Anthony Hernandez (15-3)

Anthony Hernandez has quietly become one of the best middleweights in the world. After losing two of his first three and being on the brink of being cut, “Fluffy” rattled off eight consecutive wins, including over Brendan Allen and Roman Dolidze.

His toughest test to date came in February when he faced former division king Sean Strickland. Unfortunately, the former champ completely shut down his wrestling game and laid him to the ground. This is the second knockout defeat of his career. Although he has broken into our top 10, he still remains a tough contender for even the best in the division.

5. Caio Boralho (17-1)

Caio Borralho is one of the fastest rising fighters in the UFC’s middleweight division. After two wins at the Contender Series, the Brazilian made it seven consecutive wins inside the Octagon, including a win over Jared Cannonier at UFC Vegas 96. However, his hot streak was halted in September when it looked like he was a level below top contender Nasourdin Imavov. It was a major blow, but the Brazilian remains an elite talent even at the age of 185.

4. Nasourdin Imavov (16-4)

Nasourdin Imavov has been coming off a very poor run over the past year, which makes him fully deserving of a title opportunity in his next fight. He is undefeated in his last five fights and has wins over several top-10 fighters, including middleweight veteran Israel Adesanya. In September, he got another main event opportunity and defeated fastest rising star Caio Boralho. Arguably, this was his most impressive victory to date.

3.Drics du Plessis (23-3)

Dricas du Plessis has put South African MMA on the map during his career in the UFC. The middleweight star has been victorious in every one of his UFC fights and has defeated champions and veterans on his way to becoming a pound-for-pound fighter. However, he got his match in Chimaev at UFC 319. After dominating “Borz”, the former champion may have to win a fight or two to get another shot at the belt.

2. Shawn Strickland (30-7) – Top Contender

Wildman Sean Strickland may not be the brightest fighter in UFC middleweight history, but he has consistently proven to be a tough test for the world’s best, which is why he proved many doubters wrong by winning UFC gold in 2023.

Although he has had some ups and downs since that victory at UFC 293, including losing the belt in his first title defense, he may have locked up another shot at the belt after scoring a dominant TKO victory over Anthony Hernandez. “Fluffy”‘s eight-fight win streak ends.

1. Khamzat Chimaev (15-0) – Champion

Khamzat Chimaev Train has reached the top of the mountain after a stellar performance in the Octagon. “Borz” has become one of the most popular stars in the sport, but he got his chance at UFC 319 to prove he is one of the best. And he did so by dominating former middleweight king Dricus du Plessis. The Chechen is an absolute monster and one of the scariest fighters on the planet.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos