Sean Strickland reveals list of injuries from Khamzat Chimaev win that could result in lengthy UFC hiatus

Sean Strickland faces potentially over a year on the sidelines with a plethora of injuries he sustained from his efforts at UFC 328.

The American became the new UFC middleweight champion last weekend, scoring a huge upset over the previously undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.

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Immediately after his victory, Strickland said he broke his nose during the fight and couldn’t believe his ‘horror movie’ like facial injuries.

Speaking on social media this week, the 35-year-old has since revealed a full list of injuries he sustained during his triumph over Chimaev.

“Type 2 AC separation,” Strickland posted on X.

“Extended Type V SLAP tear. Partial rotator cuff tearing/tendinosis.

“Gonna have to walk this one off…”

Strickland had already revealed he was dealing with a shoulder injury before UFC 328.

He sustained a Grade 1 AC joint separation while sparring with PFL star Johnny Eblen in preparation.

How long could Strickland be out for?

According to the Virtual Fracture Clinic, a Type 2 AC separation in the shoulder usually takes around 3-6 weeks to heal, but the injury can last up to three months.

A Type V SLAP tear, meanwhile, another shoulder injury, can require a rehabilitation process lasting up to six months post-surgery, according to the NHS.

And Strickland’s partial rotator cuff tearing/tendinosis, damage to the shoulder tendon, in other words, per Verywell Health, may lead to a recovery time of between three and six months before returning to sports.

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If surgery is required, patients generally need several months of physical therapy and can expect a full recovery within six to nine months.

With Strickland being the athlete he is, only time will tell how long he remains sidelined.

But the injuries he has been diagnosed with so far could leave him out of action for the rest of 2026.

The American is expected to make a first title defence against No. 3-ranked middleweight Nassourdine Imavov on his return.

However, Chimaev’s team have already stated that the former champion will only accept an immediate rematch next.

Chimaev has already landed his first bout just days after losing the middleweight strap under the Real American Freestyle Banner (RAF).

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His intentions in the UFC, however, are very clear.

“The rematch with Sean Strickland is the only fight that Khamzat wants,” Chimaev’s team told ESPN.

“He is obsessed with it. That’s the only fight he will accept right now.”

Chimaev’s brother, Artur Chimaev, told Sports.ru: “We’ve requested a rematch with Strickland.

“There’s an event in Abu Dhabi in October, and we want to do it there.”

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