A post-event analysis proposes that Khamzat Chimaev may have been preparing for a light heavyweight debut before plans changed last minute. The theory, attributed to Vlad Matveev, questions how Chimaev could have such limited cardio despite working with top-level sports science experts. The piece also draws parallels between Joshua Van versus Tatsuro Taira and the Moreno-Figueiredo rivalry for the younger generation, predicting future title fights between them. Regarding Alexander Volkov, the analysis suggests he's receiving favorable decisions as "cashback" for being robbed against Ciryl Gane, noting this is his second consecutive close fight scored in his favor. The post provides broader context on multiple UFC 328 storylines beyond the main event.
A post-event breakdown published following UFC 328 has floated a theory — not officially confirmed — that Khamzat Chimaev may have been training for a light heavyweight debut before plans shifted at the last minute. The analysis, attributed to Vlad Matveev, raises the question of how Chimaev could show such limited cardio output given the caliber of sports science support surrounding him, suggesting a weight class change may explain the anomaly. The theory remains unverified speculation at this stage.
The piece also draws a parallel between the flyweight matchup of Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira and the historic Brandon Moreno-Deiveson Figueiredo rivalry, framing the two fighters as potential standard-bearers for their generation. Van, 24, is the reigning flyweight champion out of Myanmar carrying a 17-2 record. Fighting out of 4oz. Fight Club, he is one of the more aggressive volume strikers in the division, landing 8.84 significant strikes per minute at 56 percent accuracy. Taira, a 26-year-old Japanese contender ranked fifth in the flyweight division, brings a contrasting profile with a record of 18-2 and one of the stronger grappling games at 125 pounds, averaging 3.12 takedowns and 1.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes while connecting at 60 percent striking accuracy.
On the heavyweight side, the analysis takes the position that Alexander Volkov has now benefited from two consecutive close decisions scored in his favor, framing this as informal "cashback" for a perceived robbery in his earlier bout against Ciryl Gane. Volkov, ranked first in the heavyweight division at 37 years old, holds a 40-11 record and stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach. The Russian heavyweight lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- The Chimaev light heavyweight rumor, if true, would shake up two divisions simultaneously
- A Van versus Taira title fight would pit elite volume striking against high-level grappling
- Volkov's back-to-back favorable decisions carry significant implications for the heavyweight title picture given his number-one ranking
Saturday, May 9, 2026
