Dana ranked the Strickland-Chimaev bout as the third biggest grudge match of all time. The pre-fight saw police separating the two warriors, but even then, Chimaev managed to land a sly kick on Strickland after weeks of insults and threats. The bout was controversial, as almost every decision always is, and Strickland finally got his hand raised against one of the world’s best grapplers. Then came this bizarre moment that you can’t take your eyes off, where two battered men embrace with Chimaev wearing blood, bruises and what might be the first genuine smile ever captured on his face. We’d expected him to be saying “I hate you forever”, and it looks more like “Okay, fine, you tough bastard.” Is that a smile? We're still not sure. For all the rivalry some claim was scripted after this photo, it all ended with something strangely warm between the two men, and that’s something we can all get behind. 

UFC 328

Newark, New Jersey

May 9, 2026