標籤: debacle

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 displayed his excellent level of wrestling as Strickland struggled to get back to his feet for most of the round.

However, Chimaev (15-1) was unable to follow up in the second round as 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 he was also tagged with jabs and straight right hands.

After a close and competitive contest, Strickland won by split decision to become the new UFC Middleweight Champion. The native of the Chechen Republic, Russia will likely look to move up to light heavyweight. We look at potential opponents he could face upon returning to the Octagon.

Azamat Murzakanov

“The Professional” had previously fallen to light heavyweight. Since his UFC debut in 2022, Azamat Murzakanov has won six consecutive fights, five of which came via stoppage. However, he overcame a hurdle after a TKO loss to Paulo Costa in April.

This was the first defeat of his career in 17 matches. Despite recent setbacks, the Russian native remains a threat with his ability to finish opponents at 205 pounds.

jamahal hill

The Chicago, Illinois native is currently winless in his last three fights. Last June, Jamahl Hill lost via unanimous decision against Khalil Rountree Jr., his third consecutive loss. “Sweet Dreams” last win came three years ago, when he defeated Glover Teixeira by unanimous decision for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title in January 2023.

He lost 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 makes a change in the division.

shaun strickland

“Tarzan” became a two-time champion at 185 pounds with his upset win over Chimaev. Given a close and competitive contest, it would be fair to say that a rematch would have been demanded. It is also unheard of for a former champion to choose a different direction rather than participate in a rematch for the championship title.

However, Chimaev has cited a serious weight cut at middleweight. He reportedly told UFC boss Dana White after the fight about his desire to gain weight. Will Chimaev stick to his word?

Paulo Costa

After spending most of his career at 185 pounds, Paulo Costa made the move to light heavyweight for the second time. He is coming off an impressive TKO win against the previously undefeated Murzakanov at UFC 327 in April. After consecutive losses to Robert Whittaker and Strickland in 2024, “Borachinha” has won two in a row.

The Brazil native would be an ideal opponent as Chimaev looks to test a new weight class at 205 pounds.

Born and raised in New York City, Jimmy Robles received a journalism degree from Queens College in 2017. Before… More About Jimmy Robles

Deandre Ayton has had a mixed start to life with the Los Angeles Lakers, largely due to his new role with the team. Accustomed to being the focal point on offense, it’s no secret that Ayton has faced his struggles being the defensive lynchpin on an offensively stacked roster.

There was even a feud with Houston Rockets star Clint Capela, with Ayton claiming after a game that the Lakers were trying to make him play like the former Atlanta Hawks man. However, things have changed recently, with the 27-year-old recently telling The Athletic that he has taken a part out of his game.

“That’s a fact. That’s a true fact. But I, I scratched him, I took him out. I said… when it comes to scoring, we don’t need that. We need you to put that energy into offense and defense,” he said.

Lakers fans have been saying this since the beginning. However, it appears Ayton needed a ‘mirror session’ to get it on his game.

“I just started looking in the mirror and saying ‘Yo bro, … you’re not that guy. You don’t need to be on this team at all to do this. This team, you’re here to try and be the guy to shut down possessions, get rebounds, run the floor very hard, do big things, outwork superstars,'” he revealed.

And well, even though it came late, the No. 1 pick of the 2018 draft claimed he’s finally “having fun with it,” which also seems like the way to go. The Lakers are one of the most offensively talented teams in recent NBA history, featuring players like LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as their Big-3, all three of whom have recently returned to form.

This means that Ayton’s job in the team is to shore up the defense and ensure that his team is not weak inside. This undoubtedly represents a huge difference in what a successful game could look like for Ayton.

“I’m telling you, once I sit that long, that’s usually what happens. It’s like… ‘You got kicked out (of the game) for some reason – think about it. But lately it’s been like, ‘No, DA. You’re good.'” he said.

Ayton said he has ‘completely bought in, 110%’, claiming that he was hoping fans would also be able to see the work he was doing. This coincides with the Lakers’ stellar performance recently, with Ayton finishing with a positive plus/minus in each of his last five games.