An analyst proposed a theory that Khamzat Chimaev may have been preparing for a light heavyweight debut before plans changed at the last moment, which could explain his cardio struggles at UFC 328. Despite working with top-level sports science professionals, Chimaev's conditioning appeared to last only one round against Sean Strickland, which seemed inconsistent with his preparation team's capabilities. The post also compared Joshua Van versus Tatsuro Taira to the Moreno-Figueiredo rivalry for a new generation, predicting future title fights between them. Regarding Alexander Volkov, the analyst joked he continues to receive "cashback" for being robbed against Ciryl Gane, as judges have now ruled close fights in his favor twice consecutively. The theory about Chimaev's preparation remains speculation without official confirmation.
One analyst has floated an unconfirmed theory that Khamzat Chimaev may have been training for a light heavyweight debut before a late change in plans, which could help explain his conditioning issues during UFC 328 on May 9, 2026.
According to the theory, Chimaev's cardio appeared to break down after just one round against Sean Strickland — a result that struck the analyst as inconsistent given the caliber of sports science professionals reportedly in Chimaev's corner. The suggestion is that a last-minute weight class switch may have disrupted his preparation, though no official confirmation of that scenario exists. It remains speculation.
Strickland, the 35-year-old middleweight champion from the United States, trains out of Xtreme Couture and carries a 31-7-0 record. He is one of the highest-volume strikers in the division, averaging 6.04 significant strikes landed per minute across his career, and holds an orthodox stance with a 76-inch reach.
The same analyst drew a generational comparison between flyweight champion Joshua Van and contender Tatsuro Taira, likening their potential rivalry to the Moreno-Figueiredo series. Van, just 24 years old and representing Myanmar, holds a 17-2-0 record and leads the flyweight division with a striking accuracy of 56 percent and an eye-catching 8.84 significant strikes landed per minute — numbers that make the title-fight projection easy to understand.
Why it matters
- If Chimaev's camp was indeed pivoting from light heavyweight to middleweight late in camp, it raises real questions about divisional direction for one of the sport's most talked-about fighters.
- A Van versus Taira title rivalry, if it materializes, could reshape the flyweight landscape the way Moreno-Figueiredo defined it for years.
- Alexander Volkov, ranked first in the heavyweight division at 37 years old with a 40-11-0 record, drew a lighthearted nod from the analyst, who joked that close decisions are now going in the Russian's favor after years of disputed losses.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
