Strickland next fight: Imavov likely after Chimaev win at UFC 328

Sean Strickland retained his middleweight title with a split-decision win over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, but the most interesting storyline emerged after the final bell. Chimaev told UFC CEO Dana White he wanted to move up to heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight, according to ESPN's Brett Okamoto, effectively closing the door on an immediate rematch despite the competitive nature of their five-round fight.

That leaves Nassourdine Imavov as the clear next contender for Strickland. Imavov was passed over when Strickland jumped the queue to get this title shot, and per Okamoto's analysis, the Frenchman is now the "no-brainer No. 1 contender" with Chimaev departing the division. Strickland made the most of his opportunity Saturday, weathering Chimaev's grappling pressure and earning scorecards of 48-47, 48-47, and 47-48.

Chimaev's heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight plans point to Costa fight

If Chimaev follows through on the move to 205 pounds, the fight to make is Paulo Costa. Okamoto noted that the two already had a bout booked years ago before Costa's injury scrapped it, and both fighters have shown a knack for getting under opponents' skin during fight week. Costa successfully moved up in April against Azamat Murzakanov, making the matchup relevant at light heavyweight. Chimaev is described as an "emotional fighter" who could reverse course and chase the rematch if the loss eats at him, but the light heavyweight jump appears more likely.

Elsewhere on the card, Joshua Van defended his flyweight title against Tatsuro Taira with what Okamoto called "probably the best performance of his career," stuffing takedowns late and overwhelming Taira on the feet. Van wants the Alexandre Pantoja rematch next to erase doubts about how he won the belt — Pantoja suffered a freak elbow injury in their December fight. Sean Brady bounced back from his November loss to Michael Morales by beating Joaquin Buckley, putting himself one win away from a title shot. The logical next step is a fight with red-hot welterweight Carlos Prates, though the UFC may hesitate to risk Prates against a wrestler like Brady.

Strickland's first defense as champion is expected to be announced once Imavov's availability is confirmed.

Source: espn.com