標籤: thoughts

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

In his debut at 200 pounds, David Benavidez challenges unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez this Saturday. The “Mexican Monster” dominated early and defeated Ramirez with very fast hands. In the fourth round, Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) landed a five-punch combination that dropped the defending champion to one knee.

The challenger continued to punish Ramirez with left hooks and right hands in the sixth round, as he was knocked down for the second time. However, “Zardo” failed to beat the referee’s count, and Benavidez scored a TKO victory to become the new WBA (Super) and WBO cruiserweight champion.

Following his win, the three-division champion called out several big names including Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol. We also consider other names that would be ideal matchups for Benavidez’s next opponent.

Jai Opetaia

There’s no doubt how big a fight with Jay Opetaia would be for the division. Even Benavidez expressed interest in the possibility when asked about fellow undefeated cruiserweights. Except that the former 200-pound IBF and Ring Magazine titleholder signed with Zuffa Boxing in January. He defeated Brandon Glanton by unanimous decision in March to claim the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title.

With two big punchers facing off, can a crossover promotion make the fight a success?

artur beterbiev

The native of Dagestan, Russia has not fought since a unanimous decision loss to Bivol in February 2025, which was a rematch for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Benavidez did not rule out a return to 175 pounds, where he also holds the WBC title. Of Beterbiev’s 21 wins, only one has gone the full distance. Due to his brute power, Beterbiev will certainly give the WBC light heavyweight champion a tough test.

A victory over the former 175-pound undisputed champion would certainly add a notable name to Benavidez’s resume.

Dmitry Bivol

The WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion is set to defend his title against mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on May 30. Benavidez referred to Bivol as “No. 1 on his hit list”, and it’s no surprise. Since his light heavyweight debut in 2024, Benavidez has been clear about his desire to challenge for the undisputed championship. There’s no doubt this is the biggest fight at 175 pounds.

canelo alvarez

The Mexican icon has been targeted by Benavidez for years. While Alvarez never demonstrated a mutual desire in a potential fight, Benavidez has not forgotten the former four-division titleholder. After the unified cruiserweight champion once again called out “Canelo” in front of a cheering crowd last Saturday, it seems the fans haven’t forgotten either. Alvarez last fought at 175 pounds in May 2022, where he lost a unanimous decision to Bivol for the WBA (Super) light heavyweight title.

If Benavidez captures the undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship, will Alvarez shift gears?

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

On Saturday at UFC Perth, Jack Della Maddalena fell further down the UFC welterweight mountain after a heavy defeat to heavy-hitter Carlos Prates.

The Brazilian used his length and speed to fire powerful, accurate shots through the Australian guards. Outside of a round 1 takedown, Della Maddalena’s grappling was ineffective. Then in round 3, Prates landed some dangerous elbows, before a big leg kick took Della Maddalena down and lost by TKO at 3:17 of the third round.

Although this setback has pushed Dela Maddalena far out of the title picture, she is still a former UFC champion with a strong resume. Therefore, it is certain that he will face a big challenge in his next match. With that in mind, let’s look at four next battle options for JDM.

New UFC welterweight rankings: Carlos Prates defeats JDM in UFC Perth main event

Joaquin Buckley vs. Shawn Brady Winner

Next week, top 10 welterweights Joaquin Buckley and Sean Brady will face off on the main card of UFC 328. Any one of these former titles would be a suitable next fight for the list. A fierce battle between JDM and Buckley has the potential to be Fight of the Year. While a showdown with Brady could show once and for all that the 29-year-old’s victory over elite wrestler Belal Muhammad last year was no fluke.

Kamru Usman

After three consecutive losses, welterweight veteran Kamaru Usman scored an impressive victory against Joaquin Buckley last June. He has been on the sidelines since then as he next looks for a title fight against Islam Makhachev. This does not seem possible.

The future Hall of Famer wants fights that interest him. A fight between the two former champs could certainly bring Usman back into the Octagon in the autumn.

leon edwards

Fellow former 170-pound champion Leon Edwards is in a tough situation. After looking like a future welterweight legend in late 2023, the Englishman has lost three in a row, the last two coming at the hands of Brady and Prates. He desperately needs to win.

Yet his name value will not allow him to keep pace with rivals outside the top 10. This is why the plan could be for both Edwards vs. JDM. Additionally, if the bout was a Fight Night headliner in England, it could be the UFC’s last chance to squeeze any remaining name value out of Edwards.

gabriel bonfim

After a surprise defeat to Nicolas Dalby at the end of 2023, Gabriel Bonfim has caught fire. He has won four in a row, including a victory over division great Stephen Thompson last year. If he can defeat former champion Belal Muhammad in June, he deserves the next top-five caliber opponent, and Jack Della Maddalena could be his huckleberry.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

SAN FRANCISCO – If you would have told Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis during their championship run with the Boston Celtics that they would find themselves together on the Golden State Warriors, they wouldn’t have believed you.

“When we were in Boston, if anyone said this scenario was going to happen,” Porzingis said. “Who would believe it? But that’s the way it works. And obviously, you know, we expected there would be some changes in Boston in terms of money. But yeah, it’s going to be weird, especially this first game against Boston.”

With the Celtics in town, Porzingis and Horford will be reunited with the team they helped lead to an NBA title just two years ago. For two players who loved the city, loved their teammates, and loved their time in the iconic green and white jersey, this will be an emotional affair not only for them but for their families as well.

After his first full critique of the Warriors since the All-Star break, Horford expressed how excited he is to see all of his former teammates and coaches.

“For me, it’s very exciting,” Horford said. And, you know, my son Ian is looking forward to seeing a lot of people and seeing a lot of coaches. The whole thing is just, you know, it’s going to be good… It’s been different for us, but it’s been good. It’s been good for him, and it’s been good for us as a family.”

How the Celtics have performed since the departures of Horford and Porzingis

Like the unexpected reunion of Horford and Porzingis in Golden State, the Celtics’ season so far has been quite a surprise. With Jayson Tatum rehabbing his torn Achilles, the Celtics sacrificing Porzingis and Jrue Holiday by trading their big salaries under the second apron, and steady veteran Horford departing in free agency, this year was supposed to be a gap year for Boston to lick its wounds and reset.

Instead, the C’s sit at 35-19 on the season, which is in second place at the top of the East in the conference. Right where they were a year ago. And the year before that. This came as a surprise to all the pundits and analysts who had predicted the semi-tank. But for Horford, the Celtics’ unexpected success is no surprise.

When Horford was asked if Boston’s success this season surprised him, he replied, “No.” “Because of which [Mazzulla] And the culture that’s been established in Boston. Probably the most surprising part has been Mimi’s growth [Neemias Queta] And Jordan Walsh. “They’ve really made big steps in their development, and how they’re playing and how they’re impacting wins.”

In Tatum’s absence, Jaylen Brown has emerged as a true number-one option, averaging a career-high 29.3 points per game. And in the holes left by Porzingis, Horford and Holiday, their youth has stepped up. Cueta, Walsh, Peyton Pritchard, Baylor Shearman, Luka Garza, guys who used to sit on the bench and watch their powerhouse team roar, have become the backbone of the Celtics’ depth.

“But overall, it’s kind of expected,” Horford continued, pointing to the underlying win expectation for one of the NBA’s most historic franchises. “That’s just what I think, Brad.” [Stevens] And Joe has done a great job there. And it’s something that’s consistent, so I’m not surprised.

Al Horford talked about what it will be like to face his old Boston Celtics tomorrow night:

“It’s very exciting. My son Ian is very excited to see a lot of people and see a lot of the coaches.”

Emphasizing that he is not surprised by their success this season. pic.twitter.com/LjdZPwIjmK

– Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) 19 February 2026

celtics reunion emotions

Reunions in the NBA aren’t always heartfelt. But for players like Horford and Porzingis, who did just as much for a team like Boston, this special reunion will be special for both parties. As he prepares for the many hugs and pats and high-fives and conversations with his old team tomorrow, Porzingis reflected on his short but productive time in Boston.

“I knew…going to Boston. It was going to be like championship expectations,” Porzingis said, explaining the pressure of playing for a historic franchise like Boston. “It’s something every player strives for [for]To be in that position…and we did it once. The second year didn’t go well, but yes, we enjoyed our time there and enjoyed every moment of it. And finally we accomplished the big objective.

“And you know how much I love playing there. Just everything. The organization, the front office, playing at TD Garden, the floor, the colors. It’s an iconic franchise, so it’ll always be a part of my memory as a special time.”

This is just the first part of the Celtics reunion, as the Warriors will still have to travel to Boston later this season, where they will get their due from rabid Celtics fans. Needless to mention, this matchup could be Porzingis’ debut in a Golden State uniform as he has been rehabbing his Achilles tendonitis throughout the break. Porzingis is listed as questionable, but he is optimistic about his chances of getting on the floor.

Either way, it’s an exciting moment for the two big guys.

“It’s exciting for me, just from the standpoint of seeing a lot of guys I care about compete on the court,” Horford said. “And it goes on. And then, kind of, being able to meet a lot of people. It’s very special to me.”