Overview
- Strickland scored a third-round TKO over Hernandez, halting his eight-fight UFC win streak and marking Strickland’s first finish in nearly three years.
- In his octagon interview and post-fight presser, Strickland targeted Chimaev with insulting remarks, and the UFC cut his microphone as he continued his rants.
- Chimaev responded on X by mocking Strickland and pointing to Dricus du Plessis’ two wins over him before Chimaev later dominated du Plessis for the belt.
- Strickland claimed he once made Chimaev quit during training, while Chimaev and teammate Yusuf Esembaev have asserted the opposite, leaving the sparring accounts disputed.
- Analysts say Strickland’s win puts him back in the title picture and could complicate Nassourdine Imavov’s path, as Hernandez accepted defeat and vowed to return.