UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey, delivered a significant championship surprise alongside an exceptionally memorable title showdown. Below are the key observations from Saturday evening’s proceedings.
1. The prospect of Sean Strickland reclaiming the middleweight championship seemed improbable. Betting markets certainly didn’t anticipate it. Many in the sports commentary world felt the same. On paper, it appeared to be another straightforward path for Khamzat Chimaev to dominate. For precisely five minutes, that scenario unfolded.
Chimaev immediately grounded Strickland within 15 seconds of the bout’s start, maintaining that control throughout the entire opening round. Strickland wasn’t credited with even one significant strike attempt during the first period. His sole accomplishment was evading a submission. Remarkably, this defensive approach proved highly effective, as Chimaev’s performance dramatically declined in the second round, forcing him to slowly regain his composure as the fight progressed. This setup allowed Strickland to dictate the terms, engaging in a jab-focused contest from an advantageous range. He emerged victorious, but only just barely.
Strickland’s most impressive outings in the UFC consistently occur in matches where he is considered a significant underdog, with odds exceeding 2-to-1 against him. He has, in fact, only suffered a single UFC defeat when entering as a greater than 2-to-1 underdog, which was against Kamaru Usman back in 2017. Conversely, in four of his seven UFC losses, he began as the favored fighter in the betting lines. It appears that being underestimated and facing adversity brings forth his peak performance. The challenge now might be discovering how to harness this psychological edge, even when he holds the championship belt rather than being dismissed as an unworthy contender.
2. The myth of Chimaev as an unstoppable force has been dismantled. I cannot recall witnessing such an extreme decline in performance between the initial and subsequent rounds. He completely dominated Strickland during the first five minutes, only to emerge in the following round resembling a fatigued cyclist struggling up an incline. Chimaev, renowned for his wrestling prowess, surprisingly opted to pull guard! Not once, but twice! It’s baffling that the very foundations of reality didn’t instantly unravel.
Undoubtedly, numerous explanations will surface for analysis. Perhaps the demanding weight cut played a role. It’s possible he entered the fight with an injury. Or perhaps he expended too much energy attempting to secure an early stoppage in the first round. What truly stands out as peculiar is his effectiveness when he conserved just enough energy to engage Strickland in a stand-up exchange. He arguably delivered the more impactful strikes and had a genuine opportunity to claim the decision based purely on his striking output.
However, a clear weakness has now been revealed. The individual who appeared invincible just seven days prior now appears disconcertingly susceptible. Furthermore, his aggressive demeanor seems to have significantly diminished. A mere hint of exhaustion transformed him into a friendly sparring partner, exchanging high-fives with Strickland. Abruptly, his earlier declarations of devastation and incapacitation became nothing more than a fading memory.
Indeed, a primary observation from this contest is evident. We were once more led to anticipate a ferocious, personal rivalry, only to witness a highly calculated encounter focused on scoring and advantageous placement. Perhaps this outcome also stemmed from Chimaev unconsciously falling into Strickland’s preferred fighting style.
3. It’s astonishing that the UFC at one point contemplated abolishing the flyweight category. Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira delivered a historically great matchup, serving as a powerful demonstration of the folly of that consideration. This fight encompassed every element of excitement: sophisticated grappling exchanges, impactful striking, dramatic shifts in the fight’s control, and extraordinary resilience and spirit. Ultimately, we even witnessed a controversial stoppage, which, as you know, is a particular favorite among mixed martial arts enthusiasts.
Van definitively showcased his exceptional youthful talent once more, solidifying expectations for his future rematch with Alexandre Pantoja to be an even more eagerly awaited event. Nevertheless, Taira’s standing certainly didn’t diminish despite his defeat. He unequivocally demonstrated his fortitude and resolve. All indicators suggest he will return with renewed intensity shortly. Perhaps the excitement within the flyweight division is only just commencing.
4. How should we evaluate Alexander Volkov? The UFC’s official rankings place him as the second-ranked heavyweight challenger. Yet, I struggle to recall the last instance where his fight resulted in both an undeniable win and a compelling viewing experience. He secured a contentious decision victory against Waldo Cortes Acosta in this bout, partly by neutralizing any potential for an exciting contest to develop. Primarily, his performance served to stifle the emergence of a fresh heavyweight title contender, without firmly establishing his own claim.
It truly is a frustrating situation. And there’s little indication that this trend will conclude anytime soon.
This seasoned veteran continues to deliver impressive performances.
(Ed Mulholland via Getty Images)
5. Jim Miller’s professional trajectory within the UFC ranks stands as one of the most exceptional, a point on which I hold unwavering conviction. It is true he has never claimed a UFC championship. He never even contended for one. In the majority of his high-profile matchups, he ultimately tasted defeat. The greater part of his tenure has been spent performing on preliminary cards. He consistently served as a secondary figure, never occupying the main spotlight.
Nevertheless, at 42 years old, he continues to secure submission victories within the UFC, holding the record for the most wins in the promotion’s history. Furthermore, he has maintained a perfect weight cut record, consistently acted with utmost professionalism, and has never brought discredit upon himself or the organization. In the realm of combat sports, such a consistent record is virtually miraculous, particularly after two decades of continuous participation.
Miller serves as a testament that achieving legendary status as a combatant doesn’t necessitate winning every bout. He has navigated personal challenges including Lyme disease, periods of consecutive losses, and most recently, his son’s struggle with cancer. Throughout these trials, he has consistently appeared, dedicating his full effort, yet without drawing undue attention to his hardships. For this reason, it falls upon us to acknowledge and celebrate his achievements significantly. This is not merely an exceptionally rare career; it represents an accomplishment that may never again be witnessed.
