Post-UFC 328 analysis suggests Khamzat Chimaev may have been preparing for a light heavyweight debut before plans changed last minute. The theory attempts to explain Chimaev's unusually poor cardio, given he worked with top-level sports scientists for this camp. Sean Strickland apologized for going too far in promoting the fight, but the damage to Chimaev's aura remains, especially after Chimaev was friendly during the bout despite the pre-fight animosity. The piece draws parallels between Van-Taira and the Moreno-Figueiredo rivalry for a younger generation. Alexander Volkov continues to benefit from controversial decisions, with two close fights in a row scored in his favor following the disputed Gane bout.
Post-event analysis circulating after UFC 328 has put forward a theory that Khamzat Chimaev may have been training toward a light heavyweight debut before those plans reportedly fell apart close to fight night. The suggestion is being offered as a potential explanation for what observers described as unusually poor cardio from Chimaev during the bout, particularly notable given that he worked with top-level sports scientists throughout the camp.
Sean Strickland, the 35-year-old American middleweight champion out of Xtreme Couture who carries a 31-7-0 record, acknowledged going too far in his pre-fight promotional conduct and issued an apology for it. The damage to Chimaev's public image is noted in the analysis, compounded by Chimaev appearing cordial during the fight despite the bitter animosity that had defined the buildup.
The same analysis draws a parallel between flyweight champion Joshua Van and the generational rivalry between Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo, suggesting Van's title reign could define the division for a younger audience in a similar way. The 24-year-old fighter from Myanmar, representing 4oz. Fight Club, holds a 17-2-0 record and has produced some of the most efficient striking numbers in the flyweight division, landing 8.84 significant strikes per minute at 56 percent accuracy.
Alexander Volkov also draws attention in the piece. The 37-year-old Russian heavyweight, ranked first in his division with a 40-11-0 record, has now had two consecutive close fights scored in his favor following his disputed decision over Ciryl Gane. At six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, Volkov remains a difficult puzzle for opponents, though the narrow margins in recent scorecards have kept debate around him alive.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's cardio and the light heavyweight theory raise questions about his long-term divisional home
- Strickland's apology signals the pre-fight promotion may have crossed a line even by UFC standards
- Volkov's back-to-back controversial decisions put increasing pressure on the heavyweight title picture
Saturday, May 9, 2026
