Sean Strickland pulled off a stunning upset in the early hours of Sunday morning, defeating Khamzat Chimaev via split decision to reclaim the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey.
The American former champion defied expectations against the defending titleholder in what many are already calling a fight of the year contender.
Judges scored the contest 48-47, 47-48, 47-48 in favour of Strickland, marking a narrow but decisive victory over his fierce rival.
The result proved costly for numerous gamblers who had backed Chimaev, with the Russian-Emirati fighter unable to retain his belt despite entering as the heavy favourite.
Moments after his victory was confirmed, Strickland seized the microphone from commentator Joe Rogan to deliver an unexpected apology to supporters.
“I just want to apologise to my American fans, to my Muslim fans, and my Christian fans,” the newly crowned champion declared during his post-fight interview.
“I went too f***ing hard, I’ll admit it. I respect all you guys.”
Sean Strickland was too strong for his opponent in the early hours of Sunday morning
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Strickland acknowledged that Chechen fighters possess remarkable toughness, describing Chimaev as “a f***ing savage.”
The American, known as much for his provocative remarks outside the octagon as his fighting ability, conceded he should set a better example but explained his controversial behaviour was intended to generate interest in the bout.
The acrimonious build-up to the contest had seen tensions reach such heights that UFC president Dana White brought in additional security personnel throughout fight week.
Sean Strickland celebrates his victory at UFC 328
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Strickland had directed offensive remarks at Chimaev relating to his nationality and religion in the weeks preceding the bout, with both men making clear their apparent disdain for one another.
Yet when the moment arrived to compete, a different dynamic emerged between the pair.
Just before the opening bell, it became evident the rivals harboured genuine respect for each other beneath the promotional hostility.
This was demonstrated most clearly when Chimaev, despite his defeat, personally fastened the middleweight championship around Strickland’s waist following the official announcement.
Sean Strickland upset the odds to reign supreme at UFC 328
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The financial fallout from Strickland’s triumph proved devastating for several high-stakes gamblers.
During the broadcast, veteran UFC commentator Jon Anik disclosed that two punters had wagered $600,000 and $1.4million respectively on Chimaev to emerge victorious shortly before the fighters entered the octagon.
Both bets were rendered worthless by the split decision outcome.
However, the most significant loss belonged to another gambler who had staked $1.8m on the dethroned champion, a sum representing nearly their entire lifetime profit and loss on their betting account.