A detailed analysis of the UFC 328 press conference praised both fighters for finally delivering an emotionally charged UFC media event after a period of dull pressers. The analyst noted that Chimaev appeared more fired up than at any point since his fight with Burns, successfully out-talking the normally dominant Strickland on the microphone. While giving Strickland credit for saying confrontational things directly to Chimaev's face, the analysis questions how Strickland can actually win the fight. The analyst suggests any discussion of Strickland's victory relies on hypothetical scenarios about Chimaev's conditioning or inability to finish, rather than Strickland's own strengths. The piece concludes that Strickland's chance feels 'phantom-like,' existing mainly because fans hope for a competitive fight after such an intense build-up.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
