What happened
Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson told Ariel Helwani's panel that Khamzat Chimaev versus Sean Strickland could mirror Jorge Masvidal's five-second knockout of Ben Askren. Thompson predicted Chimaev would fake a high-five, throw a single punch, and shoot for a takedown, only to walk into something Strickland has prepared. The remarks aired on Helwani's Friday show ahead of Saturday's main event.
Why it matters
The pick lands a day before UFC 328, where Chimaev's grappling pressure meets Strickland's pressure-style boxing in a stylistic puzzle the division has been waiting to see. A Masvidal-Askren comparison frames the fight as a trap-versus-counter scenario rather than a straight grappler-striker matchup. Thompson's read carries weight as a veteran welterweight striker who has trained against high-level wrestlers.
What to watch
UFC 328 headlines Saturday, May 9 at 9 p.m. ET on Paramount+, with Chimaev-Strickland as the marquee bout. Watch the opening exchange for the high-five feint Thompson flagged.