An analysis of the UFC 328 press conference concluded that while fighters delivered energy and intensity, the substantive content was lacking. Chimaev's verbal strategy focused on Strickland's childhood trauma, while Strickland attacked Chimaev over Kadyrov, Chechnya, dictatorship, and accusations of cowardice for traveling with an entourage. Neither fighter effectively countered the other's points or developed the conflict beyond surface-level insults. Chimaev's approach echoed Du Plessis's previous tactics that reduced Strickland to tears, though Strickland was better prepared this time. The presence of armed security in bulletproof vests added dramatic effect. The analyst suggested Strickland expended more energy with emotionally charged political statements, while Chimaev appeared less affected, possibly due to his perceived fighting advantage.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
