Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328 in New Jersey, but he revealed serious shoulder injuries after the win.
Injuries Revealed
Strickland posted the list of shoulder problems on X after the fight. He wrote: “Type 2 AC separation,” “Extended Type V SLAP tear,” and “Partial rotator cuff tearing/tendinosis.” He added, “Gonna have to walk this one off…”
Those are serious diagnoses. An extended Type V SLAP tear can require long recovery time, and medical sources often estimate six to twelve months for full healing, depending on treatment. The UFC has not given any medical timeline for Strickland.
Earlier Sparring Accident
Strickland said part of the damage happened before the fight. At the UFC 328 post-fight press conference, he explained he separated his shoulder during a sparring session earlier in the week.
He described the moment, saying he was sparring Johnny Eblen at Plinio Cruz’s gym when the injury occurred. Strickland said he suffered a grade-one AC joint separation on Tuesday before the event and that he avoided full warm-ups because he did not want to make the shoulder worse.
His exact words at the press conference included a raw reaction to the mistake and the difficulty of fighting with the injured shoulder. The injury forced him to change his normal pre-fight routine.
What This Means for the Title
Strickland won by unanimous decision over Khamzat Chimaev to reclaim the middleweight title at UFC 328. The possible long recovery for a SLAP tear leaves Strickland’s immediate future unclear.
With a potential 6 to 12 month layoff, the UFC could consider an interim 185-pound title fight while Strickland recovers. The organization has not announced any plans for an interim title or a timeline for Strickland’s return.
Fight Details
The fight took place at UFC 328 in New Jersey. Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by unanimous decision to retake the UFC middleweight championship.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Sean Strickland | Reclaimed middleweight title via unanimous decision over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 |
| Khamzat Chimaev | Lost by unanimous decision to Sean Strickland |
Strickland spoke openly about the injury and the sparring accident after the event. Fans and analysts will watch for official medical updates and any UFC plans for the middleweight division while the champion recovers.
