Analyst Oleg noted that the UFC 328 press conference was a welcome departure from typically uneventful UFC pressers, delivering genuine emotion and intensity. He observed that Chimaev appeared more fired up than at any time since the Gilbert Burns fight, actually bullying Strickland verbally rather than staying quiet. Despite Strickland's efforts to land verbal shots, Chimaev's aggressive approach disrupted his usual rhythm, and the American seemed frustrated he couldn't get his punches in effectively. Oleg gave credit to Strickland for saying to Chimaev's face much of what he'd said in interviews, showing he wouldn't back down. However, the analyst expressed skepticism about Strickland's actual path to victory, noting that most scenarios for a Strickland win depend on hypothetical failures by Chimaev rather than Strickland's own strengths.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
