Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland to Headline UFC 328

Date: May 9, 2026
Location: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland

Bassyonni

Published: March 13, 2026 12:37 AM ET

Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland to Headline UFC 328

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO Dana White has confirmed an exciting matchup for UFC 328. Khamzat Chimaev, the reigning Middleweight champion, will defend his title against former champion Sean Strickland. This highly anticipated fight is set for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Champion

Khamzat Chimaev, who holds an impressive record of 15 wins and no losses, captured the Middleweight title last year. He earned this prestigious title by decisively defeating Dricus du Plessis over five rounds. At 31 years old, Chimaev has accomplished a lot in the UFC, maintaining a perfect record of nine victories in the Octagon, six of which came by way of finish. His notable wins include a performance against former champion Robert Whittaker and a victory over former Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

Sean Strickland: The Comeback Contender

Sean Strickland, with a career record of 30 wins and seven losses, is looking to reclaim the title. He most recently secured his title shot by knocking out Anthony Hernandez, which ended Hernandez’s eight-fight win streak. Strickland’s previous year was marked by a significant hiatus from competition, caused partially by a six-month suspension tied to an incident involving a regional fighter. Despite this setback, he has returned with vigor, counting notable wins against fighters like Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa.

The Rivalry Continues

The matchup between Chimaev and Strickland is charged with tension, as both fighters share a history filled with animosity. Their long-standing rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to this title bout, as both aim to settle their differences inside the Octagon.