Sean Strickland's path to reclaiming the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328 was far from smooth—and not just because he was a heavy underdog. The former champion revealed after his split-decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev that he suffered a separated shoulder during fight week, adding an extra layer of adversity to an already monumental challenge.

Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Strickland shared the eyebrow-raising details. "On Tuesday, I'm sparring Johnny (Eblen), that PFL champ, and he shoots on me, and I hit his brick wall of a shoulder. I separated my shoulder—Grade 1 AC joint separation," Strickland recounted. The injury occurred just days before the main event at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, where Strickland entered as a +400 underdog against the undefeated Chimaev.

Sparring during fight week is a risky move that most fighters avoid, precisely to prevent injuries like this. But Strickland, known for his relentless training style, admitted he didn't learn his lesson this time. "I remember lying in bed on Tuesday night, thinking, 'You're such an idiot,'" he said. "I couldn't lie on my right or left side. I didn't want to warm up too much because I was afraid of throwing my shoulder out. The entire time, I'm just calling myself a moron."

Despite the setback, Strickland powered through, delivering a gritty performance to hand Chimaev his first professional loss. The win not only silenced critics but also showcased the kind of toughness that resonates with fight fans. For anyone hitting the gym or preparing for their own battles, Strickland's story is a reminder that proper preparation—and maybe skipping those fight-week sparring sessions—can make all the difference.