Sean Strickland upset Khamzat Chimaev to win by split decision and take the middleweight title at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey.
After surviving the first round on the ground, American Strickland fought back to claim a gritty victory. Two judges scored it 48-47 in his favour and one opted for Chimaev by the same scoreline.
Victory makes Strickland, 35, a two-time UFC middleweight champion and delivers the first defeat of Russian-Emirati Chimaev’s 16-fight professional career.
Build-up to the contest had been marred by a series of derogatory and racist comments from Strickland, but the pair appeared to reconcile as Chimaev wrapped the belt around the American’s waist in a show of respect.
“I want to apologise to my American fans, Christian fans and Muslim fans. I went too hard, I admit it,” said Strickland.
“I respect all you guys. I should be a better example but I try and sell these fights.”
An unsavoury build-up involved both fighters engaging in a bitter verbal back-and-forth.
Strickland had been the antagonist, launching comments towards Chimaev which attacked his religion and heritage.
In response, Chimaev goaded Strickland with comments about childhood trauma which the American has spoken about in the past.
The UFC hired extra security to protect each fighter during fight week and this was on display as rows of officers separated the pair as they waited for the opening bell to ring in the octagon.
Despite the animosity, both fighters touched gloves in a sign of respect before the contest, before Chimaev secured a signature early takedown.
Just as he did in defeating Dricus du Plessis for the title in August, Chimaev controlled the action on the ground, but Strickland found success in defending takedowns in the second round.
Fighters have struggled to keep fights with Chimaev on the feet, but Strickland’s takedown defence forced him to strike, which is where the American excels.
As Chimaev pushed forward, Strickland edged the contest by using his jab consistently from the back foot to keep his nose in front on the scorecards.