A detailed analysis of the UFC 328 press conference highlighted that it delivered genuine emotion after recent UFC press events have been largely uneventful. The analyst noted that Chimaev appeared more fired up than at any point since his fight with Burns, while Strickland stood his ground by confronting Chimaev directly with criticisms he had previously made in interviews. Despite the heated exchanges, the analyst questions Strickland's path to victory, suggesting most scenarios favoring him rely on Chimaev making mistakes rather than Strickland's own skill set. The analysis characterizes Strickland's chances as "phantom," existing primarily because fans hope for a competitive fight. The piece concludes with skepticism that the bout will deliver the same fireworks as the press conference.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
