UFC’s Michael Chandler prepares for America 250 White House fight
UFC fighter Michael Chandler invites Pak Gazette meteorologist Adam Klotz to his Nashville, Tennessee gym for an intense MMA training session. Chandler talks about his upcoming historic fight at the White House for America’s 250th anniversary, UFC Freedom 250, and his passion for supporting veterans through Folds of Honor and Phorm Energy beverages. He emphasizes resilience and faith in his journey from college 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, stunning Khamzat Chimaev to be named UFC middleweight champion once again in his career.
Chimaev, who had never lost a UFC fight in his 16-fight career, was a compelling favorite heading into this UFC 328 co-main event, but Strickland was named the victor by split decision after five hard-fought rounds, where he revealed he wasn’t even at full health.
After Chimaev put the belt around his waist, Strickland said he injured his shoulder while training earlier in the week.
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Sean Strickland reacts after a split decision victory against Khamzat Chimaev of Russia in the UFC middleweight championship fight during UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on May 9, 2026. (Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
“Funny story: on Tuesday I will spar with Johnny. [Eblen]that son of a bitch—–, PFL champion. I’m at Plinio Cruz’s gym. “He shoots me, I hit his brick wall and separate my shoulder,” Strickland told reporters during his post-fight press conference. “So on Tuesday I had a grade one AC separation. I remember lying in bed Tuesday night and I can’t lie on my right side. I told him, ‘You’re a fucking idiot.’ You’re a fucking idiot.”
Strickland added that he likes to have better pre-fight warmups in the back locker room, but was unable to do so for fear of hurting his shoulder again. And a shoulder injury is never a good thing against a fighter, something Chimaev has proven to be proficient at throughout his UFC career.
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Chimaev proved it in the first round, when he knocked Strickland to the canvas just 15 seconds later. It was the dominant performance many believed would occur at the Prudential Center between these two fighters.
That was until Strickland found some momentum in the second round, staying on his feet and landing punches. From there, both fighters exchanged blows, but in 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 fight during UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on May 9, 2026. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
While both fighters were bloodied, Strickland said Chimaev pointed to the canvas near the end of the fifth round, which is a signal for the fighters to start doing damage. However, there’s usually a code of honor with that: nothing more than punching and giving the 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 something like that. And I said, ‘Okay. I trust you, the guy who kicked my balls yesterday. I trust you, Chimaev. You seem like a really trustworthy guy. I like your smile. We shook hands, I believe you.’
“Then I put my hands up and he shot me.”
Sean Strickland punches Khamzat Chimaev of Russia during the UFC middleweight championship fight at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey, on May 9, 2026. (Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
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While Strickland didn’t like the move, he and Chimaev showed each other respect during the match and obviously the latter’s move after the match to pass the belt to his opponent.
Strickland, 35, is a polarizing figure in the UFC, but he had the crowd loudly chanting “USA!” over and over again, especially after being named champion.
