Sean Strickland “Tarzan”
Middleweight · United States · UFC
High-volume pressure boxer with a granite chin and Philly-shell defense
Endless jabs and a chin that simply does not break
Record & stats
| Division | Middleweight |
|---|---|
| Categories | MMA |
| Promotion | UFC |
| Nationality | United States |
| Born | Corona, California, USA |
| Team | Xtreme Couture |
| Pro debut | 2008 |
| Height | 185cm |
| Reach | 193cm |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Age | 35 |
| KO rate | 52% |
| Status | Active |
How the wins come
52% Finish rate- 12 KO/TKO · 39%
- 4 Submission · 13%
- 15 Decision · 48%
Titles & honors
- 2x UFC Middleweight Champion
Biography
Sean "Tarzan" Strickland is a polarizing, plain-spoken American middleweight whose style is built on relentless boxing volume, a tight Philly-shell guard and one of the most durable chins in the sport. He grinds opponents down behind a constant jab rather than chasing highlight finishes.
Strickland first shocked the division by upsetting Israel Adesanya to win the UFC middleweight title in September 2023. He lost a razor-thin decision to Dricus du Plessis in early 2024, then dropped their rematch at UFC 312 in February 2025.
He rebuilt with a statement TKO of unbeaten Anthony Hernandez in February 2026 and earned another title shot. At UFC 328 in May 2026 he out-worked and out-toughed Khamzat Chimaev over five rounds to win a split decision, handing Chimaev his first loss and becoming a two-time middleweight champion — only the second after Adesanya.
As of June 2026 Strickland is the reigning UFC middleweight champion.
Fight history
- WKhamzat ChimaevW SD 5
- WAnthony HernandezW TKO R3
- LDricus du PlessisL UD 5
FAQ
- Is Sean Strickland the current UFC middleweight champion?
- Yes. He beat Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 in May 2026 to win the title for a second time.
- How many times has Strickland been champion?
- Twice — he first won the belt by upsetting Israel Adesanya in 2023, and reclaimed it in 2026.
- What is Sean Strickland's record?
- He is 31-7 as a professional as of June 2026.
- Did Strickland beat Khamzat Chimaev?
- Yes, by split decision over five rounds at UFC 328, handing Chimaev his first professional loss.