An assessment of the UFC 328 press conference concluded that while the event delivered energy and intensity, it lacked substantive dialogue between Hamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland. Neither fighter effectively responded to the other's points or developed the conflict beyond surface-level exchanges. Chimaev's approach focused on Strickland's childhood trauma, similar to Dricus Du Plessis's previous strategy that reduced Strickland to tears. Strickland concentrated his attacks on Khadyrov, Chechnya, dictatorship themes, and accused Chimaev of cowardice for allegedly traveling in groups. Security personnel wearing bulletproof vests and carrying firearms added dramatic atmosphere. The analysis suggests Strickland expended more emotional energy by addressing topics that genuinely concern him, while Chimaev appeared less affected and confident in his fighting advantage.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
