An extensive post-fight analysis examines Sean Strickland's split decision victory over Hamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, his second major upset after defeating Israel Adesanya. The piece notes that Strickland was heavily underestimated despite now holding six wins over current top-15 middleweights. Chimaev is reportedly ready to move to light heavyweight, potentially facing Paulo Costa, rather than pursuing an immediate rematch. The analysis questions the pre-fight reconciliation between the fighters after months of heated rivalry. Judge Sue Sanidad, who hadn't worked a UFC event since 2014, controversially scored the fifth round for Chimaev. The writer suggests a title fight between Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov as the logical next step for the middleweight division.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
