Overview
- Strickland stopped Hernandez at 2:33 of Round 3, ending “Fluffy’s” eight-fight UFC win streak and securing his first finish in nearly three years.
- After the win, Strickland targeted Chimaev with a title callout, claimed he once made the champion quit in training, and blasted talk of a move to light heavyweight.
- Khamzat Chimaev fired back on X by mocking Strickland and pointing to his dominant win over Dricus du Plessis, who holds two victories over Strickland.
- Dana White said he wants Chimaev to defend his middleweight belt before changing divisions, leaving the opponent and timing of the first defense unannounced.
- The UFC cut Strickland’s microphone during the post-fight press conference, as top contender Nassourdine Imavov publicly pushed for a title shot or a rematch with Strickland.