Jimmy Robles
In the main event of UFC 328, Khamzat Chimaev made his first defense of the UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland. The defending champion got off to a fast start, with an immediate takedown in the first round. He showcased his elite level of grappling as Strickland struggled to get back on his feet for most of the round.
However, Chimaev (15-1) couldn’t follow up in the second round after the challenger defended several takedown attempts. In a standup battle, Chimaev and Strickland (31-7) slugged it out with back-and-forth exchanges. The champ had his moments, but was also tagged with jabs and straight right hands.
After a close and competitive contest, Strickland was awarded a split decision win to become the new UFC middleweight champion. The native of the Chechen Republic, Russia, will likely eye a move up to light heavyweight. We consider potential opponents he may take on upon his return to the Octagon.
Azamat Murzakanov
“The Professional” was previously on a tear at light heavyweight. Since his UFC debut in 2022, Azamat Murzakanov has won six consecutive fights, with five coming by way of stoppage. However, he hit an obstacle after a TKO loss to Paulo Costa in April.
It was the first defeat of his career through 17 fights. Despite the recent setback, the Russian native remains a threat at 205 pounds with his ability to finish opponents.
Jamahal Hill
The Chicago, Illinois, native is currently winless in his last three fights. Last June, Jamahal Hill took a unanimous decision loss against Khalil Rountree Jr., for his third consecutive defeat. “Sweet Dreams'” last victory came over three years ago, when he defeated Glover Teixeira by unanimous decision for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title in January 2023.
He went on to lose the championship belt in a first-round knockout loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 300 in April 2024. A win over a former world champion in Hill could make a good case for Chimaev as he transitions into the division.
Sean Strickland
“Tarzan” became a two-time champion at 185 pounds with his big upset win over Chimaev. Given a close and competitive contest, it’s fair to say that a rematch would’ve been called for. It is also unheard of for a former champion to opt for a different direction, rather than run it back in a rematch for a championship title.
However, Chimaev has cited severe weight cuts at middleweight. He reportedly told UFC boss Dana White after the fight about his desire to move up in weight. Will Chimaev stick to his word?
Paulo Costa
After spending most of his career at 185 pounds, Paulo Costa transitioned up to light heavyweight for the second time. He is coming off an impressive TKO victory against the previously undefeated Murzakanov at UFC 327 in April. Following back-to-back defeats to Robert Whittaker and Strickland in 2024, “Borrachinha” has won two consecutive fights.
The native of Brazil would make an ideal opponent as Chimaev looks to test a new weight class at 205 pounds.
