A detailed post-UFC 328 analysis suggests Khamzat Chimaev may have been preparing for a light heavyweight debut before plans changed last minute. Despite working with top sports science personnel, Chimaev's cardio lasted only one round against Sean Strickland, similar to his performance against Kamaru Usman. Strickland apologized for going overboard in promotion, but the damage to Chimaev's aura remains, particularly as he smiled and embraced Strickland throughout the fight despite being verbally attacked during the buildup. The post compares Van versus Taira to Moreno versus Figueiredo for the younger generation, predicting future rematches. Alexander Volkov received his second consecutive close decision in his favor, viewed as "cashback" for his controversial loss to Ciryl Gane.
Post-fight analysis circulating after UFC 328 on May 9 points to a troubling pattern for Khamzat Chimaev: his cardio appears to remain a liability even at the elite level of preparation he reportedly maintains. The breakdown suggests Chimaev may have originally been targeting a light heavyweight debut before a late change in plans brought him back to middleweight, where he faced Sean Strickland.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, is 35 years old and holds a 31-7-0 record. The American out of Xtreme Couture is known for relentless volume, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach giving him persistent range at six-foot-one. According to the analysis, Chimaev's engine gave out after one round against Strickland, drawing uncomfortable comparisons to his showing against Kamaru Usman. Strickland reportedly acknowledged going too far in pre-fight promotion, though the analysis notes the broader damage to Chimaev's mystique may be the more lasting story — particularly given that Chimaev appeared relaxed and friendly toward Strickland throughout the fight despite sharp words exchanged beforehand.
Also from UFC 328, Alexander Volkov earned a second straight close decision victory. The Russian heavyweight, ranked first in his division at 37 years old, carries a 40-11-0 record and stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach. The analysis frames the result as a form of karmic correction for a disputed loss to Ciryl Gane that Volkov's camp felt went the wrong way.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's cardio concerns now span multiple high-profile fights, raising questions about his ceiling at middleweight
- Strickland retains the belt, reinforcing his status as a durable, high-output champion
- Volkov's back-to-back close wins put him in a strong position in a competitive heavyweight landscape
- The Van versus Taira flyweight rivalry is already being compared in significance to the Moreno-Figueiredo era for a new generation of fans
Saturday, May 9, 2026
