What's Next: UFC 328 Losers

"In the co-main event, UFC Flyweight Champion, Joshua Van, successfully defended his strap in a masterful boxing performance over challenger, Tatsuro Taira. In the main event, Sean Strickland edged out the UFC Middleweight Champion, Khamzat Chimaev to snatch back the belt. Only one non-ranked fighter on this edition of What's Next, but a potential move up in weight for a couple of fighters."

"Khamzat Chimaev (#3) Sean Strickland surprised quite a few fans with his split decision victory of champion Khamzat Chimaev to win back the middleweight title at UFC 328 on Saturday. It was a hard fought bout for both men with Khamzat first looking nearly unstoppable, before his grappling started to fail him early/midway through the fight. This loss was the first of Khamzat's career, though Kamaru Usman notably took Chimaev to a majority decision on short notice back in 2023."

"Chimaev is now 15-1 as a pro and 9-1 in the UFC since being signed in 2020. Not sure if Khamzat will elect to move up to 205lbs or not with his 6'2″ frame and 75″ reach. But, according to UFC President Dana White in the UFC 328 post-fight press conference, Chimaev wants to give light heavyweight a go."

"If Khamzat indeed moves up, an excellent high profile, immediate test would be against (#6) Jamahal Hill. Jamahal is a 2019 Contender Series alum that has the seemingly unimpressive UFC record of 6-4 with 1 NC. He's riding a -three-fight losing streak. But upon further inspection, he's a former UFC light heavyweight champion that strung together a 4-fight win streak to take down Glover Teixeira for the belt in 2023."

UFC 328 delivered 13 fights with a main card that ended in two highly competitive title bouts. Joshua Van defended the UFC Flyweight Championship with a strong boxing performance against Tatsuro Taira in the co-main event. In the main event, Sean Strickland won a split decision over Khamzat Chimaev to reclaim the UFC Middleweight Championship. Chimaev’s grappling began to fail after early dominance, marking his first career loss. Chimaev’s record stands at 15-1 as a pro and 9-1 in the UFC. Dana White indicated Chimaev wants to try light heavyweight, where a potential immediate matchup with Jamahal Hill would be high-profile despite Hill’s recent losing streak.

Read at Cageside Press