It took five intense, back-and-forth rounds at UFC 328 on Saturday to settle the middleweight title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland - and even then, just two of three judges picked Strickland as the victor.

That razor-close outcome might suggest a quick rematch is inevitable, but you'd be in the minority there. Chimaev stepped out of the Octagon and right away told UFC CEO Dana White he wants to jump to light heavyweight. If he follows through, Strickland's first title defense opponent comes into sharp focus without much debate. In truth, Strickland, Chimaev, and the card's other champ, Joshua Van, all have clear routes mapped out ahead.

Here are those projections, plus more ideas on the road forward for the main card winners and losers:

Sean Strickland, middleweight champion

Who should be next: Nassourdine Imavov

If Chimaev exits the division, Imavov emerges as the straightforward top contender. Strickland cut ahead of him for this title crack at Chimaev, but no one gripes after his masterful showing. Imavov drew the short straw unfairly before, yet with the landscape now set, his title bid feels locked in.

Wild card: Khamzat Chimaev

Chimaev's fiery personality drives his fan appeal. He's been eyeing light heavyweight for a while, even prior to this title go. Returning to middleweight would surprise. That said, once emotions cool, a drive for revenge - fueled by pride or scorecard gripes - could open the door. Odds are long, though.

Khamzat Chimaev, middleweight

Who should be next: Paulo Costa

I floated this after Costa's strong light heavyweight debut against Azamat Murzakanov back in April. The pairing was lined up long ago but collapsed from Costa's injury. Their mutual bad blood and mastery of fight-week mind games guarantee buzz, plus a gripping clash at 205 pounds.

Wild card: Sean Strickland

As noted, if Chimaev fixates on payback after reflection - a common MMA twist - he ought to chase it. UFC brass and Strickland would likely welcome the chance.

Joshua Van, men's flyweight champion

Who should be next: Alexandre Pantoja

Van delivered a star-making showing against Tatsuro Taira. One bout might not fully elevate him to elite stardom, but it absolutely should. He extended his breakout 2025 momentum and debunked talk that his belt grab rode Pantoja's fluke elbow injury from December. No ignoring Van now, with his late-round takedown walls and striking barrage marking his finest hour. He craves the Pantoja do-over to erase doubts. With Pantoja mending, this tops the list once he's fully cleared.

Wild card: Winner of Manel Kape vs. Kyoji Horiguchi on June 20

Van thrives on facing all challengers. Kape has loomed near title contention for years, while Horiguchi brings epic lore from his UFC title bid against Demetrious Johnson a decade back. Either works perfectly, as Van turns every matchup into appointment viewing.

Sean Brady, welterweight

Who should be next: Carlos Prates

Brady scored a statement triumph. Sure, he bounced back from his 2022 setback to Belal Muhammad, but lately it seemed he needed a defining win for title contention. When that shot arrived last November against Michael Morales, Brady tapped in under four minutes. A Buckley loss here would have stalled him badly.

Back in the mix, he's title picture-bound but requires one more statement. Prates aligns ideally. UFC might hesitate to risk scorching-hot Prates, yet with no title path immediate, non-championship bouts must happen. This slots best.

Wild card: Jack Della Maddalena

If Prates pivots elsewhere - say, to Morales - Della Maddalena beckons for Brady. Still highly ranked despite consecutive defeats, he's a natural fit with smart timing.

Ateba Gautier, middleweight

Who should be next: Jacob Malkoun

UFC clearly rates Gautier highly, yet something prompts caution. No need to fast-track the 24-year-old pro of under five years, though similar talents have accelerated quicker. A highlight-reel finisher, Gautier draws UFC matchmaking love. He entered Saturday near 12-1 favorite; prior odds hit 10-1 to 20-1. Time for tougher? Malkoun steps up moderately - UFC's apparent sweet spot. A UFC staple since 2020, Malkoun rides three straight wins with far more cage miles than Gautier.

Wild card: Jared Cannonier

Ready for a leap? Cannonier fits. At 42, the veteran holds No. 11 ranking. He's 1-3 over four recent elite tests. His dull decision loss to Michael "Venom" Page last out bummed fans. Not this: Gautier-Cannonier promises sizzle. Cannonier could reaffirm his edge in a stylistic gem.