An analyst suggests Khamzat Chimaev may have been preparing for a light heavyweight debut before plans changed last-minute, which could explain his cardio lasting only one round despite working with top sports science professionals. The analyst draws parallels between Van and Taira to the Moreno-Figueiredo rivalry for a younger generation, predicting future title fights. Alexander Volkov continues to benefit from controversial decisions, with two close fights ruled in his favor consecutively. Strickland apologized for going too far in promoting the fight, but Chimaev's friendly demeanor despite the insults damaged his aura, especially since he couldn't dominate in the cage. The theory about the weight class change offers a potential explanation for the surprising conditioning issues.
One analyst has floated an unconfirmed theory that Khamzat Chimaev may have been deep into preparations for a light heavyweight debut before a last-minute shift back to middleweight ahead of UFC 328 on May 9, 2026 — a scenario that, if true, could help explain the conditioning difficulties he appeared to show beyond the first round.
Chimaev, 32, carries a 15-1 record and holds the number-one middleweight ranking, sitting tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. Representing the UAE out of Allstars Training Center, the six-foot-two wrestler-striker averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 60 percent of his significant strikes — numbers that reflect a fighter who typically controls his opponents comprehensively. The theory being discussed suggests that a weight-class change this significant, reversed at short notice, could disrupt even elite-level conditioning programs despite high-quality sports science support.
The same analyst drew a comparison between an emerging flyweight rivalry and the long-running Moreno-Figueiredo series, framing it as a generational torch-passing dynamic with title implications ahead.
Meanwhile, heavyweight Alexander Volkov, 37, has now benefited from two consecutive close decisions, a pattern that is drawing scrutiny. The six-foot-seven Russian, ranked first at heavyweight with a 40-11 record, lands 57 percent of his significant strikes and carries a 203-centimeter reach that makes him a difficult puzzle for any opponent at close range. Back-to-back razor-thin decisions going his way has kept him firmly in the title conversation.
On the middleweight front, Sean Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, reportedly acknowledged going too far in his pre-fight promotional conduct. Analysts noted that Chimaev's measured, personable response to the trash talk may have softened his intimidating image, compounded by his inability to impose his usual dominance inside the cage.
Why it matters
- The weight-class preparation theory remains unconfirmed but offers context for Chimaev's uncharacteristic conditioning problems against the top-ranked middleweight contender
- Volkov's consecutive disputed decisions intensify scrutiny on heavyweight judging and keep his title shot case complicated
- Strickland's public apology and Chimaev's muted in-cage showing add layers to the middleweight title picture going forward
Saturday, May 9, 2026
