Beef to Belt: Strickland Claims UFC 328 Crown in Clash That Turned Friendly

Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 to become the new UFC champion; after a heated buildup, the fighters exchanged a hug post-fight and Chimaev wrapped the belt around Strickland’s waist, signaling mutual respect. Strickland later said the intense feud was largely hype used to promote the bout and that his “hate” energy is drained for now, with both men acknowledging the other as a good guy. Quotes cited from Wrestling Inc.’s transcription.