A post-fight analysis suggests Khamzat Chimaev may have originally been preparing for a light heavyweight debut before plans changed and he faced Sean Strickland at middleweight instead. The theory, attributed to analyst Vlad Matveev, attempts to explain Chimaev's surprising cardio issues despite working with top-level sports science staff. The post expresses disbelief that elite preparation would result in conditioning lasting only one round unless the training camp was designed for a different weight class. The analysis also compares the Van versus Taira flyweight bout to the Moreno-Figueiredo rivalry for a younger generation. Additionally, it notes that Alexander Volkov continues to benefit from controversial decisions, receiving favorable scorecards in two consecutive close fights.
A post-fight analysis circulating after UFC 328 has raised an unconfirmed theory that Khamzat Chimaev may have originally been preparing to debut at light heavyweight before his plans shifted, ultimately leading to a middleweight bout against Sean Strickland on May 9.
The theory, attributed to analyst Vlad Matveev, centers on Chimaev's reported cardio difficulties during the fight. The suggestion is that elite sports science support would not ordinarily produce conditioning problems lasting beyond a single round unless the training camp had been structured around a heavier weight class. That premise remains speculative, and no official confirmation has emerged from Chimaev's team.
Strickland, 35, holds the middleweight championship and carries a professional record of 31-7-0. Fighting out of Xtreme Couture, the American is one of the division's most active strikers, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach at 185 cm tall.
The same analysis drew a generational comparison between the flyweight title contest featuring Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira, likening its potential rivalry arc to the celebrated Moreno-Figueiredo series. Van, just 24 years old and fighting out of Myanmar under the banner of 4oz. Fight Club, is the reigning flyweight champion with a 17-2-0 record. He lands an exceptional 8.84 significant strikes per minute at 56 percent accuracy, numbers that rank among the sharpest in the division.
Separately, the piece noted that heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov has now received favorable scorecards in two consecutive close decisions. The Russian, ranked first in the heavyweight division at 37 years old, stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach and owns a 40-11-0 record built largely on his striking, which connects at 57 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- If the light heavyweight camp theory holds any basis, it raises questions about Chimaev's divisional future and whether a move up remains in consideration
- Van's post-fight comparison to Moreno-Figueiredo signals growing recognition that the flyweight title picture could define a new rivalry era
- Back-to-back controversial decisions for Volkov adds scrutiny to heavyweight judging at a time when the division's title picture is closely watched
Saturday, May 9, 2026
