Khamzat Chimaev to Battle Sean Strickland in UFC 328 Main Event
Khamzat Chimaev is set to defend his middleweight title for the first time against former champion Sean Strickland. This highly anticipated bout will headline UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on May 9. UFC CEO Dana White announced the fight, generating excitement among MMA fans.
Chimaev’s Impressive Record
Chimaev, who has a record of 15-0, captured the middleweight title in August after defeating Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision. Since joining the UFC, he has established himself as a formidable contender, boasting victories over notable fighters, including:
- Robert Whittaker
- Gilbert Burns
- Kamaru Usman
Initially competing in both the middleweight and welterweight divisions, Chimaev now firmly resides in the 185-pound class.
Strickland’s Road to the Title Shot
Sean Strickland, known for his outspoken nature, is looking to reclaim the title after suffering losses to du Plessis in previous title fights. His recent performance against Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez, where he secured a convincing victory, reignited his title aspirations. Following that win, Strickland called for a matchup with Chimaev, which was promptly arranged.
Co-Main Event Features Heavyweight Clash
UFC 328 will also feature a co-main event between heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Here’s a quick overview of their profiles:
- Alexander Volkov: Currently ranked No. 2 in the heavyweight division, Volkov is coming off a split decision victory over Jailton Almeida at UFC 321.
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta: Ranked No. 4, Cortes-Acosta is on a three-fight winning streak and recently finished Derrick Lewis in January at UFC 324.
Additional Fights on the UFC 328 Card
The card will also include several intriguing matchups:
- Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley – Welterweight bout.
- Jan Blachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov – A rematch after their previous fight at UFC 323 ended in a majority draw.
- King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens – Lightweight contest to open the main card.
UFC 328 is shaping up to be an exciting event, showcasing top-tier talent across multiple divisions, with Chimaev and Strickland leading the charge for the middleweight title.
