UFC’s Michael Chandler prepares for America 250 White House fight
UFC fighter Michael Chandler invited Fox News meteorologist Adam Klotz to his Nashville, Tennessee gym for an intense MMA training session. Chandler discusses his upcoming historic fight at the White House for America’s 250th anniversary, UFC Freedom 250, and his passion for supporting veterans with Folds of Honor and Phorm Energy drinks. He emphasizes tenacity 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, angering Khamzat Chimaev who was once again named UFC middleweight champion for his career.
Chimaev, undefeated in his 16-fight UFC career, was a convincing favorite coming into the UFC 328 co-main event, but Strickland was declared the winner by split decision after five grueling rounds, in which he showed that he was not even in full health.
After Chimaev was fitted with a waist belt, Strickland said he injured his shoulder earlier in the week.
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Sean Strickland reacts after a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev of Russia in the UFC middleweight championship fight during UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on May 9, 2026. (Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
“Funny story – on Tuesday, I’m leaving Johnny [Eblen]that mother—–, PFL champion. I’m at Plinio Cruz’s gym. He shoots me, and I hit his brick wall, and I split my shoulder,” Strickland told reporters during a post-fight press conference. “So, I had the first grade to join AC on Tuesday. I remember lying in bed on Tuesday night, and I couldn’t lie on my right side. I’m like, ‘You’re a f—ing idiot. You are such an idiot.”
Strickland added that he likes to have better warmups before fights in the back locker rooms, but he couldn’t do that for fear of re-injuring his shoulder. And a shoulder injury has never been good for a wrestler, Chimaev has shown dominance throughout his UFC career.
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Chimaev proved that in the first round, as he dropped Strickland to the canvas in just 15 seconds. It was the dominant match many believed would be found at the Prudential Center between the two fighters.
It wasn’t until Strickland gained momentum in the second round, staying on his feet and hitting the floor. From there, both fighters traded blows, but the fifth round was when Strickland had an interesting moment with Chimaev.
Sean Strickland reacts after a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev of Russia in the UFC middleweight championship fight during UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on May 9, 2026. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
With both fighters covered in blood, Strickland said Chimaev pointed to the mat near the end of the fifth round, a sign that they should start throwing haymakers. However, there is often a code of honor for that – nothing more than punching and giving the fighting crowd a show.
“He pointed to the mat and said, ‘Let’s give the people what they want, let’s have a man dance,’ or some other —-. And I was like, ‘Okay. I trust you, the guy who just kicked me in the balls yesterday. I trust you, Chimaev. You seem like a really honest man. I like your smile. Let’s shake hands, I believe you.’
“So, I put my hands up, and he—he shoots me.”
Sean Strickland defeats Russia’s Khamzat Chimaev in a UFC middleweight title fight at UFC 328 in Newark, NJ, on May 9, 2026. (Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
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Although Strickland didn’t like this, he and Chimaev were showing respect for each other during the match, and it’s obvious that the latter’s move after the match was to pass the belt to his opponent.
The 35-year-old Strickland is a divisive figure in the UFC, but he had the crowd chanting “USA!” over and over again, especially after being named champion.
