Post-fight analysis suggests Khamzat Chimaev may have been preparing for a light heavyweight debut before plans changed last minute, which could explain his cardio issues against Sean Strickland. Despite working with top-level sports science professionals, Chimaev only had enough cardio for one round. The analyst questions whether poor preparation could be the sole explanation given his team's credentials. Additionally, the analyst notes that Chimaev's pre-fight behavior of shaking hands and smiling with Strickland undermined the intense buildup, especially after the disrespectful exchanges. The theory of a last-minute weight class change offers a potential explanation for the unexpected performance.
