Post-fight analysis of UFC 328 highlights Sean Strickland's apology for going too far during fight promotion, while noting the damage to Khamzat Chimaev's aura remains. Chimaev's friendly demeanor during the fight, including smiling and embracing Strickland, contrasted sharply with expectations after heated pre-fight exchanges. One theory suggests Chimaev was preparing for a light heavyweight debut before plans changed last-minute, explaining his conditioning issues after just one round despite working with top sports science professionals. The analysis also predicts Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira will eventually fight for a title, comparing them to the Moreno-Figueiredo rivalry. Alexander Volkov was noted as receiving favorable judging in his second consecutive close decision.
Post-fight analysis circulating after UFC 328 has raised questions about Khamzat Chimaev's conditioning during his bout at the May 9 event, with one theory suggesting he may have been preparing for a light heavyweight debut before plans shifted at the last minute.
The unconfirmed theory, which has not been officially acknowledged, attempts to explain why Chimaev appeared to fade after just one round despite working alongside elite sports science professionals. His behavior during the fight also drew attention — smiling and embracing opponent Sean Strickland stood in stark contrast to the hostility that had defined their pre-fight exchanges. Analysts noted that whatever the explanation, damage to Chimaev's mystique is difficult to ignore.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, reportedly issued an apology for going too far during the promotional buildup to the fight. The 35-year-old American, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, holds a 31-7-0 record and is among the most active strikers in the division, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's conditioning questions — even as rumor — chip away at the aura he built on dominant, untested performances
- Strickland's public apology adds an unusual personal dimension to the rivalry's aftermath
- The analysis also flags Alexander Volkov, the number-one ranked heavyweight at 40-11-0, as a beneficiary of favorable judging in a second straight close decision, keeping scrutiny on his path to a title shot
- Joshua Van, the 24-year-old flyweight champion from Myanmar carrying a 17-2-0 record and a remarkable 56 percent striking accuracy, and Tatsuro Taira were compared to the Moreno-Figueiredo rivalry, with analysts projecting an eventual title collision between the two
Saturday, May 9, 2026
