The Newark shocker that reset the division
The dust has barely settled in Newark. Sean Strickland walking away with the middleweight strap on May 9 after a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev isn't just an upset; it is a full-scale recalibration of the 185-pound division. Judges scored it 48-47, 47-48, 48-47, and frankly, the split decision reflects the jagged, uncomfortable nature of the contest.
Chimaev looked explosive early, but he hit a wall. Whether it was conditioning or a failure to adjust to Strickland's relentless, jab-heavy pressure, the champion looked lost as the clock ticked down. It was as reported by BodySlam.net that this result fundamentally closes the book on the aura of invincibility Chimaev carried into the cage.
Hall of Fame realities meet current chaos
While the active roster is busy redefining the pecking order, the promotion is simultaneously polishing its history. Chris Weidman is entering the 2026 Hall of Fame, a move that feels inevitable given his trajectory and middleweight pedigree. According to F4WOnline, Thomas Gerbasi joins him in the contributor wing, acknowledging the long-term editorial work that helped build the brand’s narrative.
Mixing these honors with the current volatility in the cage creates an odd tension. Weidman’s induction is a nod to a bygone era of middleweight dominance, a contrast to the gritty, unpolished style that Strickland just rode to the summit. It reminds us that belts come and go, but the history books are written by those who controlled the cage long enough to survive the grind.
Looking past the immediate fallout
We are already looking ahead while the ink is still drying on the UFC 328 results. Joshua Van’s fifth-round TKO win over Tatsuro Taira suggests he is the next name to track in the faster-paced weight classes. The promotion is keeping the momentum flowing, evidenced by the recently announced July 18 return to Oklahoma City.
Strickland’s run as champion will be defined by his ability to keep people guessing, which is his greatest asset and his biggest liability. He does not fight logically; he fights according to a cadence that frustrates world-class wrestlers and strikers alike. The real question is how long this defensive, jab-centric style can hold up against fresh contenders who will now spend the next six months specifically simulating his rhythm.
My call? Strickland’s reign is short-lived. He won because Chimaev fought a sloppy, desperate fight, not because Strickland cracked the code of being a dominant champion. Expect him to lose the belt in his first title defense against a disciplined striker who refuses to brawl on Sean's terms.
